Fisker has resolved the braking issue in its all-electric Ocean SUV that led the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to conduct a preliminary investigation. This issue was brought to light due to consumer complaints about the battery-powered crossover displaying a partial loss of braking on low traction surfaces.
As stated in an official document published by Fisker on its website, the problems that prompted the NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation have been addressed through a software update issued last month, using the power of over-the-air (OTA) updates.
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Fisker used the power of over-the-air (OTA) updates to fix a braking issue that prompted the NHTSA to open a preliminary investigation after it received consumer complaints about the Ocean EV exhibiting reduced braking performance in some scenarios.
According to Fisker, the braking system in the Ocean SUV uses both friction braking and regenerative braking. Addressing customer feedback, Fisker issued an Over-the-Air update (Version 1.10) to the regenerative system in December 2023, improving the customer experience when traveling over bumps and uneven surfaces, and resolving the issue. The Ocean brake system meets or exceeds all US and international performance requirements.
The NHTSA received nine consumer complaints about braking performance in the 2023 Ocean SUV, with one alleging a crash and injury. A federal investigation revealed that about 4,000 of the total 4,700 Ocean SUVs delivered last year are linked to the braking issue.
However, Fisker has faced challenges in its production output and delivery. The company cut production at the Magna factory in Austria to maintain sufficient cash reserves, and has reduced its production guidance multiple times. To overcome this, Fisker plans to incorporate dealer franchises into its sales strategy, aiming to sell its remaining inventory of over 5,000 cars by the end of the first quarter.