Karma Revero & GS-6 Front Bumper Bar: Decoding the 2019 vs. 2020 Split
This guide clarifies the critical design change for the front bumper impact bar between early 2017-2019 Reveros and the later 2020-2022 Revero GT and GS-6 models.
- There are two completely different front bumper designs: one for the 2017-2019 Revero and another for the 2020-2022 Revero GT and GS-6.
- This part is a one-time-use safety item. If it is bent, cracked, or dented in any way, it must be replaced, not repaired.
- When buying a used part, you must verify it is from the correct vehicle group and inspect it for any signs of prior impact damage.
- No aftermarket options exist; your only choices are a very hard-to-find new OEM part or a more common used OEM part.
Critical Compatibility Warning: Two Different Bumper Designs
Major Warning: The front bumper impact bar is NOT interchangeable across all 2017-2022 Karma models. There was a significant front-end redesign in 2020. You must correctly identify your vehicle to get the right part.
- Group 1 (Early Design): 2017-2019 Karma Revero. These models use a GM-sourced 2.0L 4-cylinder engine as a range extender. They have a distinct front bumper and grille design inherited from the original Fisker Karma.
- Group 2 (Late Design): 2020-2022 Karma Revero GT / GTS and 2021-2022 Karma GS-6. These models feature a redesigned front fascia and use a BMW-sourced 1.5L 3-cylinder engine. The Revero GT, GTS, and GS-6 all share this updated front-end structure and related components.
Before purchasing, verify your model year and engine to ensure you are buying the correct bumper reinforcement.
Symptoms of a Damaged Bumper Impact Bar
Failure of a bumper impact bar is not a gradual process; it is the result of a physical impact from a collision. You will not experience driveability issues, warning lights, or diagnostic trouble codes from this part. The symptoms are purely visual and structural.
- Visible Bending or Cracking: The most obvious sign is damage to the bar itself. After removing the bumper cover, you may see the metal bar is bent, cracked, or has stress marks from an impact.
- Misaligned or Sagging Bumper Cover: If the reinforcement bar behind the bumper cover is bent, it can cause the cover to look crooked, sag, or have uneven gaps with the fenders and hood.
- Damaged Mounting Points: The points where the bar bolts to the vehicle's frame rails are critical. If these are bent or the welds are broken, the bar's effectiveness is completely compromised.
Pro Tip: What people call a "bumper" is usually just the painted plastic bumper cover. The impact bar is the structural metal part behind it. Even a minor fender bender with little visible damage to the cover can be enough to bend the underlying impact bar, compromising safety in a future collision.
Buying a Used Karma Bumper Impact Bar: What to Check
Since new OEM parts are scarce and no aftermarket versions exist, a used OEM impact bar is the most common repair solution. Inspecting a used part carefully is critical for safety.
- Confirm the Vehicle Group: This is the most important step. Ensure the donor vehicle matches your car's group: either a 2017-2019 Revero or a 2020+ Revero GT/GS-6. Do not trust a listing that says "fits 2017-2022" without verifying the specific model of the donor car.
- Inspect for Any Bends or Dents: Sight down the length of the bar. It should be perfectly straight. Even a slight bend indicates it has been compromised and will not absorb a future impact correctly. Do not purchase a bar that has been dented.
- Check the Mounting Plates: Look closely at the ends of the bar where it bolts to the car's frame. These areas must be flat, with no signs of stress, cracking, or distortion around the bolt holes.
- Look for Hairline Cracks: On both steel and aluminum bars, inspect all surfaces, especially welds, for any hairline cracks. These can be difficult to see, so clean the part and use a bright light.
- Avoid Repaired Bars: It is an industry standard that damaged impact bars should be replaced, not repaired. Never buy a bar that shows signs of being heated, bent back into shape, or re-welded. Its structural integrity is gone.
Replacement Overview and Difficulty
Replacing the front bumper impact bar requires the complete removal of the front bumper cover. 🎬 Watch: Step-by-step guide for removing and replacing the bumper cover. On modern vehicles like the Karma, this cover assembly can contain parking sensors, cameras, and wiring for lighting that must be carefully disconnected. The unbolting of the old bar and installation of the new one is straightforward, but the process of accessing it is involved.
- Difficulty Rating: 3 out of 5 (Moderate)
- DIY Feasible: Yes, for experienced DIY mechanics comfortable with removing body panels and disconnecting electrical sensors.
- Estimated Time: 2-4 hours
Cost of Replacement (2017-2022 Karma Revero & GS-6)
This table provides an estimated cost breakdown. New OEM parts for Karma vehicles are generally only available through the dealer network and can be difficult to source, making used OEM the most likely option.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Bumper Impact Bar | $800 - $1,500+ (Dealer specific, if available) |
| New Aftermarket Bumper Impact Bar | Not Available |
| Used OEM Bumper Impact Bar | $350 - $650 |
| Shop Labor Cost | $300 - $800 (2-4 hours at $150-$200/hr) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive with a damaged bumper impact bar?
While the car may still drive, it is strongly discouraged. A damaged impact bar offers significantly reduced protection in another collision, increasing the risk of serious damage to the vehicle's frame and cooling systems, and increasing the risk of injury to occupants.
Can a bent bumper impact bar be repaired?
No. Bumper reinforcements are considered one-time-use safety components. Once bent, dented, or cracked, they must be replaced. Repairing them by heating or bending them back into shape permanently compromises their structural strength.
Why is it so important to get the right bar for a 2017-2019 vs a 2020+ model?
The mounting points, overall shape, and dimensions are completely different due to the 2020 front-end redesign. The wrong bar will not physically bolt onto the car's frame or fit behind the bumper cover.
Does a damaged impact bar affect other systems?
Yes, indirectly. A bent impact bar can push the bumper cover out of alignment, which can affect the aim and function of any attached parking sensors, forward collision warning sensors, or cameras.
Technical Specifications & Part Numbers
Finding official part numbers for Karma vehicles is difficult. The numbers below were found in public listings and should be used as a reference for verification. Always confirm the part number with the seller based on the donor vehicle's VIN.
- Associated Part Number (Fisker/Early Revero): C131172602000
- Associated Part Number (2020-2022 Revero GT Bumper Cover): C1311720019
- Associated Part Number (2017-2019 Used Part): KR041522-258
Helpful Videos
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: C131172602000 C1311720019 KR041522-258
Material: High-strength steel or aluminum alloy.
We Have This Part in Stock
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Karma Revero:
- Karma GS-6:
- 🎬 Helpful Videos
- 🛍️ Shop This Part
- Critical Compatibility Warning: Two Different Bumper Designs
- Symptoms of a Damaged Bumper Impact Bar
- Buying a Used Karma Bumper Impact Bar: What to Check
- Replacement Overview and Difficulty
- Cost of Replacement (2017-2022 Karma Revero & GS-6)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Technical Specifications & Part Numbers
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