Fisker Ocean Recalls: Frustrated Owners Left with Unexpected Repair Bills
Fisker’s Early Customers Are Left Holding the Bag on Ocean Recalls
Imagine investing in an innovative new electric vehicle brand, only to have it go bankrupt and leave you high and dry. Unfortunately, this is the exact situation facing Fisker’s early customers. With the brand’s financial instability, maintenance support is virtually non-existent, and recent recalls are only adding insult to injury.
The Ocean’s Five Recalls: A Recipe for Disappointment
The 2023-2024 Fisker Ocean has no fewer than five recalls to its name, each presenting a significant risk of accidents or injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these issues include:
• Reduction in regenerative braking, potentially causing accidents
• Electric water pump failure, leading to overheating or even fire
• Failing door handles, blocking emergency exits
• Malfunctioning warning lights, obscuring critical safety notifications
• Potential loss of drive power, rendering the vehicle impossible to operate
Fisker’s Plan: Sink or Swim
After bankruptcy, Fisker was acquired by American Lease, which took over responsibility for software updates and recalls for existing and future customers. However, Fisker has since issued a statement outlining the recall process for Ocean SUV owners. As of the end of September 2024, Fisker will provide customers with a list of authorized service centers. These facilities will handle physical inspections, replacing faulty parts as necessary. However, customers must foot the bill for inspection and labor costs – only the parts themselves will be covered.
Customer Sentiment: Frustrated and Fed Up
The Fisker community is not taking this well. As the Fisker subreddit demonstrates, frustrated customers are speaking out, feeling let down by a brand they trusted. In a statement, Fisker apologized for the "additional burden" and ensured that their priority remains "your safety and the continued reliability of your vehicle."
Stuck in a Cycle of Uncertainty
As Fisker has yet to provide the list of authorized service centers, customers are left waiting. In the meantime, Fisker advises them to monitor their vehicles and immediately contact a service center in case of door handle or water pump issues. When reached, the recall notice hotline simply redirects callers to Fisker’s contact page, leaving many feeling frustrated.
Fisker: A Lesson in Incomprehensible Customer Service
Fisker’s decisions have led to a litany of problems for customers, including financial instability and now the burden of handling recalls on their own. As a brand that raised nearly $3 billion before its financial woes, many are left wondering how the company can expect customers to foot the bill for these issues.
