Own a Fisker Karma in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Fisker Karma for model years 2012. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Karma owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 6 owner complaints on file for the Karma and 5 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (4), power train (2), fuel/propulsion system (2).
Most-Reported Fisker Karma Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Karma (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 4 | 66% | |
| Power Train | 2 | 33% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | 33% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 16% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 | 16% | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 16% |
Electrical System
4 of the 6 complaints (66%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Power Train
2 of the 6 complaints (33%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Fuel/Propulsion System
2 of the 6 complaints (33%) mention the fuel system. Fuel system problems can cause stalling, hard starts and poor mileage. We test fuel delivery and related sensors to find the real cause. See our no-start diagnostics and check engine light diagnostics pages.
Fisker Karma Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the Karma, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a Fisker.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your Karma? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
Fisker Karma Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the Karma in these model years, most often involving electrical system, air bags, engine and engine cooling. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2019 recall, Air Bags (campaign 19V181000): 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,...
- 2017 recall, Air Bags (campaign 17V004000): 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.
- 2012 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 12V413000): 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.
- 2012 recall, Electrical System (campaign 12V241000): FISKER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 FISKER KARMA PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2011, THROUGH JANUARY 20, 2012.
- 2011 recall, Electrical System (campaign 11V598000): 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.
Keeping a Fisker Karma Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Fisker will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Karma that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Karma owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Fisker Karma, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Fisker Karma Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Fisker Karma repair service, or choose a service below.
Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →No-Start Diagnostics
Find out why it will not start.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Fisker Karma FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Fisker Karma?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Fisker Karma are electrical system (4), power train (2), fuel/propulsion system (2). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Karma model years have the most complaints?
The Karma model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the Fisker Karma?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the Fisker Karma. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the Fisker Karma have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the Fisker Karma across model years 2012. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Fisker Karma in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Fisker vehicles including the Karma, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Fisker Karma?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Fisker Karma in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Fisker Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.