Fisker Karma recalled over potential fire hazard

2012 Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid - 22.3.2011

Another setback

The Fisker Karma has been hit with another setback as the company has issued a recall to correct a potential safety hazard.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Karma's lithium-ion battery could have improperly positioned hose clamps which could cause a coolant leak. While that doesn't sound too bad, the agency warns the leak could result in a short circuit and eventual fire.

The recall affects 239 models built between July 1st and November 3rd of 2011 but, thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Source: NTHSA and Automotive News

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Jan 2, 2012 3:43 pm By Michael Gauthier

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American Electric Vehicle Fisker

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FISKER / KARMA
2012

Manufacturer:
FISKER AUTOMOTIVE, INC.
Mfr's Report Date:
DEC 21, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number:
11V598000
NHTSA Action Number:
N/A

Component:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: BATTERY: PROPULSION SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected:
239

Summary:
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.

Consequence:
IF COOLANT ENTERS THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT COULD OCCUR POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy:
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 IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FISKER CONSUMER AFFAIRS AT 1-855-575-7577, OPTION 2, 6AM - 7PM (PST) MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

Fisker hasn't built a Karma in six months

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Fisker Karma burns in Woodside, California

How much for that Fisker Karma in the window?

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Comments (7)

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vilivo

That would be an electrifying moment for the unfortunate owners, would it not?!?

-1

January 2, 2012 5:37 pm

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eddie

It is new technology and they want to be safe. This is a small company that was welling to take risks at the same time larger companies want to keep on building gas guzzler SUV's and continue the status quo. I wish to best to Fisker!

January 2, 2012 6:17 pm

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CDspeed

I just had a recall fixed last week on my BMW. It was for the auxiliary water pump that cools the two turbos, the notice I received said it could fail and cause an engine compartment fire. The notice even suggested that I park outdoors until the issue was fixed. My point, the Karma's recall is minor just like all the other recalls that are issued each year. And let's not forget Toyota's unintended exceleration recall and Ferrari's flammable 458 Italia recall.

January 2, 2012 6:22 pm

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time for the next installment of 'short circuit' movies (short circuit: karma)

-1

January 2, 2012 11:23 pm

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PAA

If this article was about the Volt every second comment would be blaming GM for their lousy tech. Now that its Fisker, its OK. Not fair guys.

January 3, 2012 12:18 am

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