Fisker has produced more than 10k Ocean EVs, and every single one of them is under recall. With the company declaring bankruptcy earlier this year, there is a very pressing question for people who shelled out money on this doomed electric SUV: How will owners repair their Fisker Ocean EVs?
While this might seem like a dismal situation, it doesn’t appear these rolling computers will be bricked. Yet. So, let’s break down the recalls, and what owners are hearing about repairs.
Fisker Ocean recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website currently lists two recalls for the Fisker Ocean. One is for a water pump failure, and the other is for door handles that can stick and fail to open. The Fisker Inc. website seems to indicate there are three separate recalls, one is for the door handles, but the other two are related to software issues and can be fixed with an over-the-air (OTA) update. However, embedded in one of the software issues is a hardware issue: the water pump. While the communication error can be fixed with an OTA update, the physical water pump still needs to be replaced.
In an email, a Fisker spokesperson said it’s important to note these recalls are voluntary and the company is assessing what needs to be done and is communicating directly with owners.
While some owners may worry that the bankruptcy may mean Fisker washes its hands of any future problems with the vehicle, NHTSA said this is not the case. In reply to a query about Fisker’s responsibility, the NHTSA said:
“A manufacturer’s bankruptcy filing does not negate its duty to comply with the recall requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.”
In short: If a vehicle is recalled, the company has to find a way to repair it. But that doesn’t address what happens if something breaks outside of a recall.
Fisker Ocean future repairs
First, let’s point out that Fisker switched to a dealer network, rather than the Tesla-esque direct sales tactic, in January of this year. So, there are (or at least were) 12 physical dealer locations that could potentially help owners in the immediate future. However, in an interesting turn of events, American Lease just bought all the remaining U.S.-spec Fisker Ocean EVs, and it says it will help current owners access parts as well as technical and mechanical support.
Specifically, per a reddit post, American Lease said:
“We have been waiting to get final court approval to purchase the stock of US spec Oceans and today that sale order was authorized. It is our intention to collaborate with the Fisker Owners Association to create a universally beneficial pipeline of parts as well as technical and mechanical support. There is much to build, learn and figure out in the coming days, but will will accomplish all that needs to be.”
What’s fascinating about this post and the ensuing thread is that former Fisker techs are jumping into the conversation saying they want to help owners, and it looks like there might be a network of experts coming together through the Fisker Owners Association working to support current and future problems the vehicle may have.
What about parts?
The bigger problem is going to be the scarcity of parts. Yes, Fisker is responsible for making recall repairs and ensuring parts are provided for those specific problems. But what if something unrelated breaks? A friend who owns one told me that’s his biggest concern, and pre-emptively, he’s already bought an extra key fob for the just in case.
But just as discontinued Saabs and other defunct brands or classic cars continue to putter down the roadways due to dedicated specialty mechanics, so shall the Fisker Ocean soldier on.
The bottom line
While there is still a lot of unknowns here, it’s clear that a support system is in the process of being set up. People who have bought an Ocean seem united in their love for the vehicle, but overall hate for the higher ups at Fisker. As my friend told me: “[T]he car is really nice in many ways and flawed in others. So mad at Fisker and their shit business minds.”
Yeah. That about sums it up.
But back to the recalls and repairs. The gist is this: It’ll be possible in the future to get your Fisker Ocean repaired. But it isn’t going to be easy, and you may have to travel to get it done.
