Fisker, the struggling electric vehicle company, is facing even more challenges as it tries to stay afloat. With cash running low and a desperate need for income, Fisker has resorted to slashing prices on its electric Ocean SUV and actively seeking a buyout. However, it seems that Fisker’s financial troubles are not only affecting its ability to sell cars but also its ability to provide warranty repairs.
According to reports from Business Insider, Fisker has been cannibalizing pre-production cars to fix issues on vehicles that have already been sold to customers. Several employees have come forward, claiming that Fisker is parting out existing cars in its “graveyard” to address faults on delivered vehicles. The “graveyard” is a location where Fisker stores a mix of pre-production test vehicles, returned customer cars, and unsold inventory. This means that parts from these cars are being used to fix problems on other vehicles.
The practice of using parts from unsellable cars may have started as early as June 2023 when deliveries of the Fisker Ocean began. Employees state that up to 15 percent of recent repairs have relied on parts taken from these cars. Items such as door handles, windshields, body control modules, and tires have reportedly been sourced from the “graveyard.”
Fisker, however, denies engaging in this practice. In a statement to Business Insider, the company denied using parts from unsellable cars for warranty repairs. But if the reports are true, this raises concerns about the quality and safety of the Fisker Ocean. The vehicle has already faced numerous consumer complaints about its overall quality, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating three safety hazards associated with the vehicle.
For Fisker owners, these shortcuts on warranty work may be the least of their worries if the company fails to find a buyer. If Fisker goes under, it is likely that parts supplies will quickly dry up, making repairs impossible. The best hope for Fisker owners is for the company or its assets to be purchased by another entity.
This situation is reminiscent of Fisker’s previous attempt at an electrified luxury car, which also ended in financial collapse. It seems that history may be repeating itself for the struggling company.
In conclusion, the financial troubles at Fisker are not only affecting its ability to sell cars but also its ability to provide warranty repairs. Reports suggest that Fisker has been using parts from unsellable cars to fix issues on vehicles already sold to customers. This raises concerns about the quality and safety of the Fisker Ocean, which has already faced numerous complaints. Fisker owners may face difficulties getting repairs if the company fails to find a buyer, as parts supplies would likely dry up. The best hope for owners is for the company or its assets to be purchased by another entity.
