Over 12,500 Fisker Ocean SUVs recalled worldwide: Safety concerns cloud Fisker's future after bankruptcy

[Digimaus]

 

Fisker Inc., the electric vehicle startup that once dreamt of rivaling Tesla, finds itself in hot water. Following a recent bankruptcy filing, the company is now grappling with a series of recalls impacting over 12,500 Ocean SUVs globally.—8,204 units in the United States, 3, 513 in Canada, and 3,806 in Europe.

 

This follows two previous recalls issued within the last month for the electric vehicle. The current issue centers on faulty exterior door handles that could stick and prevent occupants from exiting the car, posing a serious safety risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has emphasized the dangers of this malfunction, highlighting the potential for injuries in emergency situations.

This string of recalls comes on the heels of widespread customer complaints reported on social media. Owners have voiced concerns about malfunctions with both the key fob and the door handles, further amplifying the urgency of the situation. Fisker has responded by halting sales of the Ocean SUV across North America and Europe, urging dealerships to inspect existing inventory for the faulty door handles. Fisker will also be replacing these malfunctioning door handles free of charge for all affected vehicles.

 

Fisker's struggles are particularly concerning given its past ambitions. Designed by renowned automotive designer Henrik Fisker, the Ocean SUV was envisioned as a Tesla Model Y competitor. However, the company's attempt to ramp up production and deliver vehicles quickly seems to have come at a cost. Cash flow issues ultimately led to the company filing for bankruptcy earlier this month, marking the second time a Henrik Fisker-backed car company has met this fate.

 

The Fisker Ocean's struggles with recalls following the company's bankruptcy cast a long shadow over the future of electric vehicle startups. Does this situation foreshadow difficulties for other new EV companies? What lessons can be learned from Fisker's experience?

 

• https://www.autoevolution.com/news/fisker-ocean-hit-with-another-safety-recall-the-doors-handles-can-stick-and-fail-to-open-236162.html
• https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/fisker-recall-over-8000-ocean-vehicles-us-nhtsa-says-2024-06-28/
• https://www.marketwatch.com/story/bankrupt-fisker-is-recalling-12-523-vehicles-to-address-outer-door-handle-defect-72d8e3db
• https://www.carscoops.com/2024/06/bankrupt-fisker-recalling-12-5k-ocean-evs-over-faulty-door-handles/

 

Image: Tatiana Golmer | Dreamstime.com