2023 proved to be a tumultuous year for Fisker, culminating in bankruptcy proceedings as the company struggled to deliver its all-electric Ocean SUV. This unfortunate turn of events has left existing owners grappling with a host of issues, including substantial depreciation and a series of frustrating technical problems.
One of the most concerning issues to emerge involves the risk of unexpected vehicle movement. In early February, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) initiated an investigation into reports of unintended acceleration in 2023 model-year Fisker Oceans. The investigation revealed a software flaw that prevented the vehicle from engaging the parking gear when the driver attempted to do so while the vehicle was moving at low speeds. This means that if a driver tried to apply the parking brake while the vehicle was still in motion, the system would reject the command and instead shift into neutral. The NHTSA expressed concerns that drivers might not realize the parking brake hadn't been engaged, potentially leading to the vehicle rolling away.
Following an official recall notice issued by Fisker on November 15th, affecting 7,745 2023 and 2024 model-year Oceans, the NHTSA closed its investigation. The software update introduced as part of the recall includes a safety feature that automatically brings the vehicle to a stop if the driver unbuckles their seatbelt at low speeds. Once the vehicle comes to a halt, it automatically engages the parking gear and activates the parking brake. Additionally, Fisker has integrated an Auto Vehicle Hold function, which keeps the vehicle stationary even after the driver releases the brake pedal. This feature, common in most modern vehicles, was curiously absent from the Ocean until the release of OS 2.0.
The Ocean's troubled launch has been marred by multiple recalls, addressing issues such as sudden loss of drive power, unexpected reductions in regenerative braking, malfunctioning warning lights, and problematic door handles that can become stuck and refuse to open.