Fisker Inc. issued a recall covering 7,745 Ocean SUVs from the 2023 and 2024 model years to address a potential safety hazard related to unintended vehicle rollaway, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) disclosed. The recall follows an investigation by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), which had identified a logic flaw in the vehicle’s parking mechanism.
The ODI found that when drivers attempted to engage the parking brake while the vehicle was moving at low speeds, the system would reject the request and shift into neutral instead of park. This design flaw, the agency noted, could lead to scenarios where drivers mistakenly believe the vehicle is secured, increasing the risk of rollaway incidents if left in neutral.
Henrik Fisker, the company’s CEO, acknowledged the issue and stressed the company’s commitment to safety. “Our priority is ensuring that every Fisker Ocean on the road operates with the highest safety standards. We’ve worked swiftly to implement a comprehensive solution,” he said in a statement.
As part of the recall remedy, Fisker has introduced a software update that incorporates additional safety features. These include automatic engagement of the park gear and parking brake when the vehicle stops after the driver unfastens their seatbelt at low speeds. The update also adds an Auto Vehicle Hold function, a standard feature in most vehicles, which keeps the car stationary even when the driver removes their foot from the brake.
The recall and subsequent software updates follow a series of challenges for Fisker, including other recalls earlier this year for issues such as sudden loss of drive power, malfunctioning warning lights, and problematic door handles.
The ODI has since closed its investigation following the recall, marking a step forward for Fisker in addressing safety concerns. However, the company’s ability to reassure consumers and maintain its standing in the competitive EV market remains under scrutiny.
