In a promising moment for Fisker Inc., Henrik Fisker proudly unveiled the company’s first electric SUVs in the United States in June. However, what followed was a cascade of issues, including sudden power loss, brake malfunctions, and key fob glitches, leading to customer dissatisfaction and regulatory scrutiny.
Early customers, including Fisker board members, experienced sudden power loss while driving, raising concerns about vehicle safety and reliability.
Internal documents reveal over 100 reported incidents of power loss, prompting Fisker to address the issues through software updates.
Customers also encountered problems with brake malfunctions, unpredictable key fobs, malfunctioning seat sensors, and hood flying open at high speeds.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating braking issues, with Fisker claiming to have resolved them through software updates.
Fisker faced delays in the Ocean’s launch due to software challenges, leading to a rush to catch up and address quality issues.
The company’s financial strain is evident, with significant quarterly losses as it grapples with quality concerns and aims to boost sales.
Fisker Inc.’s history includes previous setbacks with the Fisker Karma, highlighting the challenges of automotive startups, particularly in the electric vehicle sector.
The company’s reliance on the Ocean’s success underscores the urgency to resolve issues and maintain customer trust.
Some customers have taken legal action against Fisker under consumer warranty laws, citing delays in repairs and a host of issues encountered with their Ocean SUVs.
Quality issues have led to customer frustration, with reports of being locked inside vehicles, difficulties with key fobs, and concerns over safety.
Fisker’s service infrastructure faced challenges, with delays in addressing customer concerns and difficulties in reaching customer service.
Regulatory issues, including citations for performing repairs without a license, further complicate the company’s efforts to address customer needs.
Fisker’s journey to establish itself in the electric vehicle market has been marred by a series of setbacks and quality issues with its Ocean SUV. As the company navigates regulatory scrutiny, customer dissatisfaction, and financial pressures, its ability to overcome these challenges will shape its future in the competitive automotive industry.
Source: Adapted from information provided by TechCrunch.