Fisker’s bankruptcy appears to be imminent at this stage. Many believe that the brand’s downfall is not a matter of if but rather when. Safety issues and inconsistent quality have exacerbated the problems with the Fisker Ocean, leading to varying reviews from prominent automotive critics and content creators.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) investigation and feedback from InsideEVs’ interviews with owners have highlighted early bugs and safety concerns in Fisker’s initial vehicles. While the Ocean concept is sound and well-received by owners, the persistent issues such as power loss, braking difficulties, screen errors, dysfunctional key fobs, and more have made owning the vehicle challenging.
History Repeats Itself for Fisker
Fisker first made waves with the luxurious Karma plug-in hybrid in 2012 but quickly went bankrupt due to poor sales. CEO Henrik Fisker aimed for EV success with the Ocean SUV, but the brand now faces familiar troubles.
Journalists and content creators aren’t to blame for highlighting these issues – it’s their duty. The problems with Fisker’s vehicles existed prior to the notorious review by a popular YouTuber that garnered attention. While criticism heightened post that review, the underlying issues were present all along.
Despite the polarizing reviews, renowned automotive reviewer Doug DeMuro praised the Fisker Ocean in a recent podcast, preferring it over competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Honda Prologue for its aesthetics and technological innovations.
Inconsistencies in early production models are common among EV startups, with established automakers also facing quality issues initially. DeMuro acknowledged this and recognized Fisker’s potential for success with compelling future products.
As Fisker’s financial situation worsens, the brand’s stock plummeted, and vehicle prices were slashed in half, positioning the Ocean as an affordable EV option in today’s market. DeMuro emphasized the critical role of funding to sustain the brand’s operations until future products materialize.
24 Photos
While acquiring a discounted Fisker Ocean may offer short-term excitement, concerns about long-term support and software updates post-brand collapse linger. DeMuro stressed the necessity of securing financial backing to actualize Fisker’s promising future endeavors.