Like Icarus, you may have heard of the Fisker Karma‘s soaring highs and crashing lows. But what really went on during its brief production span?
You’ve likely heard whispers of faulty battery cells and software glitches that plagued its worst year, 2011, but what about the 1,800 units delivered in 2012, earning the Top Safety Pick+ designation? The contrast is striking, and you’re left wondering what made the Karma soar and then stumble.
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Key Takeaways
- The Fisker Karma’s best year was 2012, with over 1,800 units delivered, accounting for the majority of its total sales.
- 2011 was the worst year, with only 239 units produced, and a recall for a coolant leak and battery fire risk.
- The 2012 model year received a Top Safety Pick+ designation, solidifying its position as a pioneering model.
- The 2011 and 2012 models were plagued by reliability problems, mainly related to its battery, leading to costly repairs.
- The Fisker Karma’s production run was brief, lasting only from July 2011 to July 2012, with a total of around 2,000 units.
Fisker Karma Overview
As you plunge into the Fisker Karma, you’ll discover a luxury plug-in range-extended electric sports sedan that was produced between 2011 and 2012.
This luxury car boasts an impressive top speed of 125mph and can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 5.9 seconds in Sport Mode.
With a curb weight of 5,300 pounds, the Karma features a warning sound system to alert pedestrians of its presence.
As a plug-in hybrid, the EPA rates its combined city/highway fuel economy at 52mpg equivalent in all-electric mode, making it an appealing option for eco-conscious drivers.
Reliability and Issues
You’ve gotten familiar with the Fisker Karma‘s impressive performance and eco-friendly features, but how does it hold up in terms of reliability and issues?
Unfortunately, the Fisker Karma has been plagued by reliability problems, mainly related to its battery.
Some owners have reported faulty battery cells have caused their vehicles to shut down or lose power suddenly.
- The battery’s faulty cells can lead to a sudden loss of power or even a complete shutdown of the vehicle.
- The Fisker Karma’s advanced technology can be prone to software glitches, affecting the car’s performance and functionality.
- Early models have been known to experience electrical issues, which can be time-consuming and costly to repair.
Cost of Owning a Fisker Karma
You’ll need to factor in annual repair costs, which can be substantial, especially as the vehicle ages.
Looking ahead, you’ll face a significant financial burden if you don’t stay on top of maintenance requirements. Regular servicing is a must to prevent costly problems from arising down the road.
Annual Repair Costs
The Fisker Karma’s reliability is a mixed bag, and its annual repair costs reflect this inconsistency.
You’ll face unexpected expenses when your car broke down due to a defective battery, a common issue in this electric vehicle.
- The average annual repair cost for a Fisker Karma is around $1,200, which is higher than other luxury vehicles in its class.
- You may need to replace the battery pack, which can cost upwards of $10,000.
Additionally, Fisker Karma owners have reported issues with the vehicle’s electrical system, which can lead to costly repairs.
Financial Burden Ahead
Owning a Fisker Karma can be a costly affair, especially when you factor in the annual repair costs, which can escalate quickly.
You’ll need to budget for maintenance, as neglecting it can lead to a financial burden.
The company’s past bankruptcy doesn’t help, but it’s essential to focus on your own financial situation.
Consider the overall cost of owning a Fisker Karma’s depreciation, and insurance premiums when calculating the total burden.
Make sure you’re prepared for the financial responsibilities that come with owning this luxury car to avoid a financial strain.
Maintenance Is a Must
Regular maintenance is essential to prevent mechanical failures, especially in a complex luxury car like the Fisker Karma.
As a Karma owner, you’ll need to stay on top of maintenance to avoid issues down the road.
- Speedometer calibration check: Guarantee your speedometer is accurate to avoid any issues with authorities.
- Faulty cooling fan: Check your climate control system regularly to prevent overheating, which can damage your battery pack.
- Battery pack: Regularly inspect your battery pack to prevent degradation and extend its lifespan.
Owner Experiences and Decisions
You’ve likely heard mixed reviews about Fisker Karma ownership, and now it’s time to weigh the pros and cons.
As an owner, you’ll experience a luxurious ride, impressive styling, and decent electric range.
However, you’ll also face reliability issues, outdated tech, and limited charging infrastructure.
Fisker’s poor reputation may impact resale value, and you might encounter difficulties finding qualified mechanics.
Weigh these factors carefully before deciding if the Fisker Karma is right for you.
Consider your needs, budget, and willingness to take on potential headaches.
Make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.
Specifications and Performance
The Fisker Karma’s powertrain is a sophisticated aspect of its design, driven by a pair of electric motors producing 201bhp each, for a quoted combined output of 403hp and 1,300 newton-metres of torque.
As a series hybrid, the Karma’s engine is mated with a generator to provide an electrical connection to the motors and recharge the batteries.
You’ll experience:
- A top speed of 125mph
- Acceleration from 0-60mph in 5.9 seconds in Sport Mode
- Impressive torque for a smooth, responsive drive
Fuel Economy and Range
As you venture the Karma’s capabilities, its fuel economy and range become increasingly important.
The Fisker Karma boasts an official all-electric range of 32 miles, with an estimated energy consumption of 65 kWh per 100 miles.
Its combined city/highway fuel economy is 52 mpg-e in all-electric mode.
With a full tank of gasoline and a fully charged battery, you’ll get a total range of 230 miles, making it suitable for daily driving and road trips.
Significantly, the Karma’s battery supplier isn’t specified, but its fuel economy is certainly impressive.
Production and Delivery
You’ll find that the Fisker Karma‘s production began modestly in July 2011, with only five cars per week, but ramped up to 25 units a day by the end of the year.
By December 2012, over 2,000 Karmas had been delivered to customers in North America and Europe.
As you examine the production and delivery numbers, you’ll see that the Karma’s production run was brief, from July 2011 to July 2012.
Production Rate
Fisker Karma’s production kicked off in July 2011, with a modest rate of five cars per week.
By the end of the year, production had increased to 25 units a day.
This upward trend continued, with notable milestones achieved in the following areas:
- Over 2,000 Karmas were delivered to customers in North America and Europe through December 2012.
- Around 200 Karmas were delivered in 2011, and about 1,800 in 2012.
- Production was suspended in November 2012 due to financial difficulties, but not before over 2,000 Karmas were delivered to customers.
Delivery Numbers
The Fisker Karma‘s production and delivery numbers offer valuable insights into the car’s market performance.
As you review the data, you’ll notice that over 2,000 Karmas were delivered in North America and Europe through December 2012.
Breaking it down further, you’ll see that around 1,800 Karmas were delivered in 2012, and about 200 units were delivered in 2011.
In the United States, approximately 1,600 units sold through December of that year.
In Europe, a total of 533 units were sold through December 2014, with the Netherlands being the top-selling market.
Reception and Controversies
Reception of the Fisker Karma has been marred by a series of controversies.
You might be aware that the Karma was recalled in 2011 due to a risk of battery fire caused by a coolant leak.
Additionally, Fisker faced issues with A123 Systems, which led to a battery causing a Consumer Reports test drive failure.
- Fisker received a $529 million green-energy loan from the US Department of Energy, but it was frozen in 2012, with Fisker collecting nearly $200 million until then.
- The faulty battery was caused by a misaligned welding robot at the A123 factory.
- Fisker’s loan was frozen due to the company’s failure to meet the loan’s milestones.
Recalls and Fire Incidents
You’re likely aware that the Karma’s production run was plagued by a series of recalls and fire incidents. The first recall, in December 2011, affected the first 239 units built, due to a risk of battery fire caused by a coolant leak. This was followed by another recall in August 2012, affecting 2,400 Karmas, to repair a faulty cooling fan unit.
| Recall Date | Reason | Units Affected |
|---|---|---|
| December 2011 | Coolant leak, battery fire risk | 239 |
| August 2012 | Faulty cooling fan unit | 2,400 |
| – | Faulty battery (Consumer Reports) | 1 |
| – | Multiple fires | – |
| – | Tesla Motors lawsuit | – |
Related Models and Legacy
Fisker’s innovative design and technological advancements didn’t disappear with the company’s demise.
You can still see the influence in the automotive world today.
- Karma Automotive, formed from Fiskerxiang Group’s acquisition of Fisker, created the Revero, a redesigned Karma, which spawned special editions like the Invictus, Revero GT, and GS-6.
- Range extender technology, pioneered in the Karma, is now featured in startups like Scout, whose “Harvester” range extender adds up to 150 miles to driving range.
- The Ram 1500 Ramcharger will also use range extender technology, making it suitable for most truck buyers, further solidifying the Karma’s influence on the automotive world.
Awards and Recognition
As the Karma’s innovative design and technological advancements leave a lasting impact, its accolades are a tribute to its groundbreaking essence.
You’ll find the Fisker Karma has received numerous awards, solidifying its position as a pioneering model. In 2012, it won the Exotic Car of the Year award, beating out other luxury models.
Additionally, it received a Top Safety Pick+ designation, making it a standout in the electric vehicle segment.
These awards demonstrate the Karma’s exceptional performance, design, and commitment to safety, further cementing its status as a trailblazing model.
In Popular Culture
You’ll notice the Fisker Karma making appearances on TV shows like Top Gear, where it was praised for its looks and technology.
You’ll also spot it on the streets, like when it was seen cruising up and down the strip in Miami, drawing attention to its unique design.
As you delve its pop culture presence, you’ll find it’s also owned by celebrities and even serves as the official luxury car of the Las Vegas Raiders.
TV Appearances
The Fisker Karma has made appearances on several popular TV shows, showcasing its sleek design and impressive performance.
You’ve probably seen it on BBC, where it was featured in various episodes.
- Castle (2012 – Richard Castle, played by Nathan Fillion, owns a Fisker Karma, which is frequently shown throughout the series.
- White Collar (2011) – The Karma appears in an episode where FBI Agent Peter Bishop uses it to impress a woman.
- Two and a Half Men (2011) – The Karma is seen in an episode where Walden Schmidt, a billionaire, buys one.
Celeb Owners
Celebrities can’t resist the Fisker Karma’s sleek design and impressive eco-friendly credentials. You’ve likely spotted the Karma cruising up and down the strip in Miami or at Cars & Coffee events in Clarksburg, Maryland. Its massive size is shocking, looking blown up to 1.25x normal size, making it a head-turner.
| Celeb Owner | Known For | Fisker Karma Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo DiCaprio | Environmental activism | Spotted driving a Fisker Karma |
| Jay Leno | Car enthusiast | Featured the Fisker Karma on his show |
| Henrik Fisker | Fisker founder | Designed the Fisker Karma |
Availability and Support
Fisker’s Karma is available in several markets worldwide, including North American and European regions.
You can find authorized dealerships and service centers through Fisker Automotive’s website. Although the company faced bankruptcy in 2013, it has since restructured and continues to provide support to Karma owners.
- Fisker’s warranty program covers repairs and replacements for parts and labor up to 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- The company’s support team is available to assist with technical inquiries and troubleshooting.
- Fisker’s website offers resources and documentation, including owner’s manuals, technical bulletins, and software updates.
