Bad Karma For Gopro After Drone Recall

Gopro have issued a recall on their Karma units, stating that “in a very small number of cases, Karma units lost power during operation.” this comes after a small number cases were reported of the drone loosing power, no reports of injury or property damage have come in thus far.

Gopro have issued a recall statement on their website with information regarding the problem and refund instructions.

All 2500 karma drones sold since October 23rd are impacted, and can be returned to Gopro directly or from wherever purchased, only refunds are currently available. Exchanges are not an option at present as Gopro needs to fix the issue, meaning Karma owners will need to wait for a new shipment once the defect has been resolved.

“We are working in close coordination with both the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Federal Aviation Administration,” said CEO Nick Woodman “We are very sorry to have inconvenienced our customers and we are taking every step to make the return and refund process as easy as possible.”

As if the competition from DJI’S Mavic wasn’t bad enough, Gopro have suffered yet another setback from another financial blow.

Return Instructions

If you already own Karma, follow these instructions to return your product for a full refund.

If you purchased from Best Buy or bestbuy.com:

Please contact Best Buy recall hotline at 1-800-566-7498 or visit online support here.

If you purchased from gopro.com:

Please contact customer support at 1-866-886-3001 or visit online support here.

FAQs

Q: Why is GoPro conducting this recall? 

A: The recall was announced after we discovered that in a small number of cases, Karma units lost power during operation.  We are investigating the issue and working in close coordination with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

Q: Is there a recall on HERO5 Black or Karma Grip?  

A: No. The recall is only for the Karma drone. HERO5 Black and Karma Grip are not subject to a recall.  However, if you purchased the Karma drone bundle package, which included HERO5 Black and Karma Grip, you must return those with your Karma drone for a full refund.

 

Q: My Karma drone appears to be operating okay.  Can I continue to use it?  

A: No. Even though your Karma appears to be working fine, we are asking all customers to immediately stop using the product and participate in the recall. Refer to the Return Instructions section above.

Q: Can I exchange my Karma drone for one that is not affected?

A: No.  We are recalling all Karma units and providing a full refund.  We are investigating the issue and plan to make Karma available once it has been resolved.

Q: How do I return Karma?

A: Refer to the Return Instructions section above.

Q: What if I bought Karma at Best Buy or bestbuy.com? 

A: All Karma drones bought at Best Buy or bestbuy.com should to be returned to Best Buy or bestbuy.com for a full refund. Refer to the Return Instructions section above.

Q: Will I receive a refund for Karma?

A: Yes.  You will receive a refund for your purchase. All components included with the Karma drone bundle, including HERO5 Black and Karma Grip, must be returned for a full refund.

Q: Will I receive a refund for GoPro Care for Karma? And what if I bought accessories?

A: Yes.  You will receive a refund for GoPro Care for Karma and any Karma-related accessories you may have purchased.

Q: I no longer have the receipt for the product.  Can I still return it?

A: Yes.  You can still return the product without a receipt

Q: Do I have to return all the components received with the Karma drone if I purchased a Karma drone bundle?  

A: Yes.  Even though the recall is only for the Karma drone, all components included with the Karma drone bundle, including HERO5 Black and Karma Grip, must be returned for a full refund.