Fisker Expands Karma Plug-in Hybrid Recall

Fisker Automotive is expanding a recall of its Karma Plug-In Hybrid luxury sedans because of potential problems with the car's battery that could result in a fire.

In a document filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the car maker said the recall affects 19 cars built from Sept. 22, 2011, through Jan. 20, 2012. The additional cars bring the recall total to 258 vehicles.

Fisker, maker of the high-end Karma plug-in hybrid car, on Dec. 29 recalled 239 units of its luxury Karma sedan to fix a hose clamp in the A123 battery pack at risk of leaking coolant, potentially causing a fire.

As with the cars in the earlier filing, the latest 19 Karma’s may have hose clamps within the high-voltage battery pack that were installed incorrectly during assembly. As a result the battery compartment cover could conflict with the clamps and possibly cause a coolant leak. If leaking coolant gets into the battery compartment it could cause an electrical short, which could lead to a fire.

Fisker will begin notifying customers of the recall shortly. Karma owners will receive a new high-voltage battery and hose clamps, free of charge. Customer can contact the car maker’s consumer affairs department at 1-855-575-7577, option 2.