GoPro just can’t seem to catch a break this year. Last month, shortly after shipping their much-awaited KARMA drone, the company issued a recall due to sudden power failures causing KARMA drones to drop from the skies like flies. As horrific, as this sounds, GoPro is going to give those who bought approx. 2,500 units a full refund and also giving all recall customers a GoPro Hero5 Black for free as compensation for their troubles. The recall applies only to the Karma however, as the 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. GoPro are also asking all Karma users to return their drones even if their drone appears to be working fine, this is so the company can investigate the problem further.
“Safety is our top priority,” said GoPro Founder and CEO Nicholas Woodman. “A very small number of Karma owners have reported incidents of power failure during operation. We have moved quickly to recall all units of Karma and provide a full refund while we investigate the issue. We are working in close coordination with both the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Federal Aviation Administration. 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.”
See some rather dramatic videos of the Karma drone crashing due to the “sudden power failure” bug.
GoPro Hero5 Black Features
- Records 4K/30p, 2.7K/60p video
- Super-Slow motion 1080p/120
- Capture 12MP Photos at 30fps
- Ultra Wide Angle Glass Lens
- Waterproof to 33′
- Voice Control
- Rear Touchscreen
- Wi-Fi for Remote Monitoring and Control
- Interval Capture for Time Lapse
- Linear Video Mode Corrects Distortion
- Flat and Curved Adhesive Mounts Included
- Price: $399 + Free 64GB card/Action Case and $60 Gift Card at B&H
To participate in the Karma drone recall head over to GoPro’s dedicated page here.
GoPro Karma Drone Recall FAQ:
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 be returned to your nearest Best Buy store with the receipt for a full refund. Even though the recall is only for the Karma drone, all components included with the Karma drone bundle, including HERO4 Black and Karma Grip, must be returned 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. Once your complete return has been processed and refund issued we will send you a HERO5 Black as a thank you. For Best Buy customers to receive their HERO5 Black, please contact GoPro Customer Support directly and have your original transaction number available to confirm your product has been returned and processed at Best Buy.
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. Please work directly with GoPro for no receipt returns.
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.
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