repaired · 2020 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2012 Fisker KarmaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 6 owner complaints about the 2012 Fisker Karma, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 5 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-181 the manufacturer reports only 49% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 20, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Fisker Karma has problems
6 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Electrical system
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Power train
1Engine and engine cooling
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Exterior lighting
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
5 recalls
2012 Fisker Karma recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Passenger side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
no report yet
Cooling system: fan
Risk. A direct short may ignite the fan housing, shroud and surrounding components, causing a vehicle fire.
no report yet
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. IF COOLANT ENTERS THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Show 1 more recall
no report yet
Propulsion system: traction battery
Risk. IF COOLANT ENTERS THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Fisker.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Karma year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Karma median. How we score
'12
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2012 Fisker Karma, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What Karma owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FISKER KARMA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE BATTERY MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND WOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V598000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE…
CAR WAS DELIVERED MARCH 19TH, 2012 WITH ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS. DEALER REFUSED TO HAVE VEHICLE EVALUATED, OR INSPECTED. DEALER DID NOT RETURN MY CALL AND FISKER MOTORS DID NOT RETURN MY CALLS. CAR LOST ALL POWER, WHILE DRIVING ON THREE OCCASIONS IN FIRST 60 MILES. IN ONE INSTANCE HEADLIGHTS AND…
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, A 2012 FISKER KARMA, AT 35 MPH, THE CAR SHUT ITSELF OFF, ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASH ILLUMINATED, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND THE STEERING WAS IMPAIRED LEAVING BASIC DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ONLY. *TR
Own a 2012 Karma?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.