2012 Fisker Karma Recalled for Fire Hazard

Just the Facts:

• Fisker is recalling 239 Karma plug-in hybrid sports cars because of a high-voltage battery problem that could result in a fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
• Fisker says it has not received any complaints, warranty claims or any other reports related to the problem but is recalling the Karma "out of an abundance of caution."
• The recall is expected to begin in January.

WASHINGTON — Fisker is recalling 239 Karma plug-in hybrid sports cars because of a high-voltage battery problem that could result in a fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"Within the high-voltage battery, certain hose clamps may have been positioned incorrectly during assembly," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "If positioned incorrectly, the battery compartment cover could interfere with the hose clamps, potentially causing a coolant leak from the cooling hoses.

"If coolant enters the battery compartment, an electrical short could occur, possibly resulting in a fire."

Production on the $102,950 Karma began earlier this year at contract assembler Valmet in Finland.

Fisker says it has not received any complaints, warranty claims or any other reports related to the problem but is recalling the Karma "out of an abundance of caution." It noted that of the 239 U.S. vehicles affected by the recall, "fewer than 40 are believed to have been delivered to consumers, with the remaining vehicles still in dealer inventory."

There have been no consumer complaints about the Karma posted on the NHTSA Web site.

The Karma is the second plug-in hybrid to face battery problems.

An estimated 5,000 2011-'12 Chevrolet Volts are the subject of a defect investigation by NHTSA that was opened on November 25. Federal safety regulators are looking into what they call a "post-crash fire hazard" in the Volt. "Intrusion in a crash may damage the battery, which may result in a substantial thermal reaction and fire," said NHTSA in its defects investigation summary on the Volt. The Volt has not been recalled at this point and General Motors says it is participating in the investigation.

Fisker told NHTSA that its dealers will replace the high-voltage battery. The recall is expected to begin sometime in January. Owners can contact Fisker at (855) 575-7577 or reach NHTSA's safety hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Inside Line says: If you own a 2012 Fisker Karma, be aware that a recall is in the works.