Published January 16, 2012
Fisker Automotive has again halted sales of its plug-in Karma and recalled those out on the road in order to fix a software glitch that has caused random check-engine lights and erratic navigation and entertainment system issues. This marks the second time in two months that Fisker has recalled the Karma for a potential defect. The previous recall involved fixing a battery-pack related issue that could have potentially led to electrical shorts.
Founder Henrik Fisker, has promised that he will personally contact each Karma owner to apologize for the glitch and any inconvenience that it has caused.
The software update reportedly comes after a couple of Karma owners reported a series of electronic issues, with at least one Karma owner filing a formal complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher confirmed that sales of the Karma have been halted temporarily while the automaker updates the vehicle's software. "It's a fairly normal practice," Ormisher stated. "If you have an issue with supplied software, you put a stop on the sale until it's sorted."
As for Henrik Fisker personally contacting Karma owners, Ormisher stated "Fisker is going to make sure the customers are happy and they can communicate with him."
Ormisher also said that Fisker remains on track to meet the late-2012 production target for its next offering, Project Nina, which will be manufactured at a revamped former General Motors facility in Delaware. Early sales of Project Nina are scheduled to begin by mid-2013.
