Fisker, an electric-vehicle startup, recently faced two separate investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding their Ocean SUVs. The first probe, initiated in April, was in response to complaints that riders were encountering difficulty opening the doors from both the interior and exterior handles. This issue affected 6,781 Fisker vehicles made in 2023. In response, Fisker issued a recall in June to rectify the problem.
The recall involved an inspection procedure for all four doors and replacement of the outer door handle if any faults were found. This proactive approach ensured that the door malfunction was addressed, relieving customers of any potential safety concerns.
The NHTSA also opened a separate investigation in January into 7,745 Ocean models due to complaints of a partial loss of regenerative braking over low traction surfaces. Regenerative braking is a feature that captures energy lost during deceleration and redirects it back into the vehicle’s battery. According to the NHTSA, this issue had led to six minor crashes and one injury.
Fisker took swift action to address the problem and announced a recall for the affected vehicles. The company chose to resolve the issue through an over-the-air software update, a modern method that enables updates to be downloaded without requiring customers to bring their vehicles to a service center. This approach demonstrates Fisker’s commitment to customer satisfaction and their dedication to resolving issues efficiently.
The software update is expected to enhance the brake system’s adaptability to various driving scenarios, ensuring that the regenerative braking operates effectively across different traction surfaces. By leveraging software updates, Fisker demonstrates their agility as an electric-vehicle manufacturer, utilizing technology to improve their products and provide customers with better driving experiences.
In addition to the door malfunction and regenerative braking issues, Fisker also announced recalls in June for thousands of cars in North America and Europe. These recalls were related to faulty software and non-compliance with safety standards. While the specific details of these recalls were not provided, it is evident that Fisker is committed to maintaining high safety standards and addressing any potential issues promptly.
Ultimately, Fisker’s response to the NHTSA investigations showcases their dedication to customer safety and satisfaction. By addressing the door malfunction and regenerative braking issues through recalls and software updates, Fisker demonstrates their commitment to continuously improving their vehicles. This proactive approach not only ensures customer peace of mind but also reinforces Fisker’s reputation as a reliable and responsible electric-vehicle manufacturer.
