Fisker, the electric vehicle (EV) startup, is facing yet another setback as it announces a recall of over 12,000 Ocean vehicles. This recall comes on the heels of two previous recalls this month, highlighting ongoing issues with the company’s SUV model. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) currently has four open investigations into various problems related to the Ocean SUV, which was intended to rival Tesla’s popular Model Y crossover.
One of the main issues identified in this latest recall is a problem with the exterior door handles, which have been found to stick and fail to open. This poses a significant safety concern, as a door that fails to open in an emergency situation can prevent occupants from exiting the vehicle and increase the risk of injury. To address this issue, Fisker will be replacing the faulty door handles free of charge.
In response to the recall, Fisker has instructed its dealers in the United States, Canada, and Europe to halt sales of the affected Ocean vehicles and inspect them for the door handle issue. The company has identified a total of 8,204 Ocean SUVs in the United States, 513 in Canada, and 3,806 in Europe that are being recalled, bringing the overall number of affected units to 12,523.
Customers have taken to social media platforms to voice their concerns about other issues as well, including instances where the key fob does not unlock the car and doors failing to open properly. These complaints further highlight the need for Fisker to address and resolve quality issues in their vehicles.
This latest recall adds to Fisker’s troubled history. The company recently filed for bankruptcy protection after experiencing financial difficulties due to a combination of cash burn and challenges in scaling up production to meet demand for their Ocean SUVs. Interestingly, this is not the first time that renowned car designer Henrik Fisker has encountered bankruptcy with one of his ventures. Fisker Automotive, his previous company, filed for bankruptcy in 2013 following a recall and substantial costs associated with battery failures in their Karma plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
In conclusion, Fisker’s ongoing recalls and the NHTSA investigations into the Ocean SUV raise concerns about the company’s ability to deliver a reliable and safe product. With customers expressing frustration on social media and these repeated recalls, it is crucial for Fisker to address these issues promptly and regain customer trust. The EV market is highly competitive, and any setbacks can significantly impact a company’s reputation and success. Fisker must prioritize quality control and ensure that their vehicles meet the highest safety standards to regain their footing in the industry.