VEHICLE BUYER'S GUIDE
Fisker Karma2012–2012
Year-by-year buyer intelligence from NHTSA safety data — reliability, value, and which years to target or avoid.
Fisker Karma Years to Avoid
1 recall · 0 complaints
Top issue: No complaints on record
Fisker Karma — Year-by-Year Comparison
Every model year ranked by Buyer Score. Click any year for its detailed problem report.
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Reliability | Value | Buyer Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 57 | 42 | 52 | Avoid |
Buyer Score = Reliability (65%) + Value window (35%). Deaths and injuries sourced from NHTSA complaint filings. Year links open full NHTSA problem reports.
Shopping by Era
How each generation of the Karma compares — best year within each era shown.
Pre-2013
Older Karma models are deeply depreciated but carry higher wear and repair risk. High mileage is common. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and verify full recall history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best year Karma to buy?+
See the Buyer Score table above for a full ranking of every Karma model year.
Which Karma years have the most problems?+
The 2012 model years have the highest problem scores in our analysis. The 2012 Karma leads with 1 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
What is the Buyer Score?+
The Buyer Score is a composite metric that combines reliability (65% weight) and depreciation value (35% weight). Reliability reflects recall and complaint severity. Value reflects how much of the vehicle's depreciation has already been absorbed by prior owners — a 4–6 year old vehicle typically sits in the sweet spot.
What are the most common Karma problems?+
See the complaint chart on this page for a breakdown by component.
Deep-Dive Research
A buyer's guide shows model-level risk. A VIN report shows the individual vehicle — accidents, odometer history, open recalls, and auction records.