Preliminary Investigation into Fisker Ocean SUVs’ Braking System
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has recently launched a preliminary investigation into 6,813 Fisker Ocean SUVs that were built in 2023. This probe comes in response to several complaints from owners, alleging that the electric vehicles’ automatic emergency braking system had activated inadvertently. According to the NHTSA, eight complaints have been received, with three of them involving injuries due to sudden vehicle deceleration caused by the braking system.
In light of these complaints, the NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation will conduct a preliminary evaluation to determine the scope and severity of the potential issue and assess its impact on safety. It is important to note that this investigation does not necessarily indicate any wrongdoing on Fisker’s part and may lead to the case being closed without any further action.
This recent development adds to Fisker’s already challenging situation, as their Ocean SUVs were already under investigation by the NHTSA for three prior incidents. In the previous investigation, complaints were made regarding the doors of the company’s electric vehicles failing to open. These ongoing investigations, combined with other issues faced by Fisker, have raised concerns about the company’s financial stability and future prospects.
Fisker has faced a series of setbacks in recent months. In February, they expressed doubts about their ability to continue as a “going concern.” Shortly after, their stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, further damaging investor confidence. Additionally, talks with a large automaker for a potential deal collapsed in March, further exacerbating the company’s challenges.
To make matters worse, Fisker failed to make an interest payment of approximately $8.4 million on some notes due in 2026 during a 30-day grace period in April. This financial strain led the cash-strapped firm to initiate insolvency proceedings for its Austrian unit on Tuesday. Fisker is now exploring strategic options to raise the necessary funds to meet its debt obligations.
These recent developments have raised concerns not only among Fisker’s investors but also among potential buyers of their vehicles. Safety is a paramount concern for consumers, and issues with the automatic emergency braking system can significantly impact the perceived reliability and trustworthiness of the Fisker brand.
It is worth noting that Fisker is not alone in facing scrutiny over safety issues. Other automakers have also faced investigations and recalls due to various defects and malfunctions. The NHTSA functions as a regulatory body to ensure the safety of vehicles on the road, and their investigations play a crucial role in holding automakers accountable for any potential safety risks.
As the NHTSA’s preliminary investigation progresses, it will be interesting to see how Fisker responds to these allegations and what steps they take to address the concerns raised by their customers and regulatory authorities. The outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on Fisker’s reputation and future success in the electric vehicle market.