2012 Fisker Karma recalls and problems
The 2012 Fisker Karma has 5 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Fisker dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Fisker Karma vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Fisker Karma recalls
Recall 19V-181: Air Bags
Problem: Karma Automotive (Karma) is recalling certain 2012 Fisker Karma vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming and the District of Columbia. These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment, that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Karma has notified owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 25, 2019. Owners may contact Karma customer service at 1-855-288-6109. Karma's number for this recall is 5.84.17.001.01.
Recall 17V-004: Air Bags
Problem: Karma Automotive LLC (Karma) is recalling certain 2012 Fisker Karma vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Karma will notify owners, and dealers will replace the air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began on September 8, 2017. Karma Automotive Client Services Team can be reached at clientservices@karmaautomotive.com or by calling 1-855-288-6109. Karma's number for this recall is 5.84.17.001.01.
Recall 12V-413: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Fisker Automotive (Fisker) is recalling certain model year 2012 Fisker Karma passenger cars manufactured from June 15, 2011, through July 9, 2012. A manufacturing defect in the low temperature cooling fan may result in a direct short.
Risk: A direct short may ignite the fan housing, shroud and surrounding components, causing a vehicle fire.
Fix: Fisker will notify owners, and dealers will remove the two potentially affected low temperature cooling fans and replace them with one improved low temperature cooling fan, free of charge. The safety recall began on August 24, 2012. Owners may contact Fisker consumer affairs at 1-855-575-7577, option 2, 6am - 7pm (pst) Monday through Friday.
Recall 12V-241: Electrical System
Problem: Fisker is recalling certain model year 2012 fisker karma passenger cars manufactured from september 22, 2011, through january 20, 2012. Within the high-voltage battery, certain hose clamps may have been positioned incorrectly during assembly. If positioned incorrectly, the battery compartment cover could interfere with the hose clamps, potentially causing a coolant leak from the cooling hoses. This recall is an expansion of safety recall 11v-598.
Risk: If coolant enters the battery compartment, an electrical short could occur possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: All known owners will be notified and instructed not to charge or drive the vehicle. Owners will be advised to contact an authorized fisker dealer who will arrange transporting the vehicle directly to their repair facility. The repair facility will replace the high-voltage battery with a new part, free of charge. The safety recall began on may 30, 2012. Owners may contact fisker consumer affairs at 1-855-575-7577, option 2, 6am - 7pm (Pst) monday through friday.
Recall 11V-598: Electrical System
Problem: Fisker is recalling certain model year 2012 fisker karma passenger cars manufactured from july 1, 2011, through november 3, 2011. Within the high-voltage battery, certain hose clamps may have been positioned incorrectly during assembly. If positioned incorrectly, the battery compartment cover could interfere with the hose clamps, potentially causing a coolant leak from the cooling hoses.
Risk: If coolant enters the battery compartment, an electrical short could occur possibly resulting in a fire.
Fix: Fisker will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high-voltage battery with a new part at no cost to the owner. The safety recall began on january 5, 2012. Owners may contact fisker consumer affairs at 1-855-575-7577, option 2, 6am - 7pm (Pst) monday through friday.
2012 Fisker Karma problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 4 | |
| Power Train | 2 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | |
| Unknown or Other | 1 |
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 10,059 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Fisker Karma complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Fisker Karma years
No other model years have data.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Fisker Karma have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2012 Fisker Karma: 19V-181 (air bags), 17V-004 (air bags), 12V-413 (engine and engine cooling), 12V-241 (electrical system), 11V-598 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Fisker Karma?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (4 reports), followed by power train (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 10,059 miles.
Are Fisker recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Fisker dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.