Consumer Reports has delivered a scathing review of Fisker’s Ocean SUV, adding to the electric vehicle maker’s woes. The report comes amidst a series of challenges for the company, including a plummeting stock price, halted production, and reports of hiring bankruptcy advisors.
In their review, Consumer Reports likened the experience of driving the Ocean to “ordering pizza at a new, buzzy restaurant, only to get a pie with undercooked dough and no sauce because the tomatoes are still growing.” The publication highlighted numerous software issues, echoing concerns raised by tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee.
One tester at Consumer Reports remarked, “This is the most incomplete car I’ve driven in my career, and that includes pre-production models.” The primary concern revolves around safety tech that functions inconsistently, with features like blind-spot warning and lane-keep assist working one day and non-functional the next.
The review also criticized the Ocean’s software design, noting that Bluetooth connectivity issues were prevalent, and the touchscreen interface was laggy. The braking experience was described as “nauseating,” with the system defaulting to aggressive regenerative braking that was challenging to modulate.
Consumer Reports also took aim at the Ocean’s build quality, describing the upholstery as feeling “like a cheap polyester suit” and noting that the dashboard already rattled. The publication expressed disappointment with Fisker’s $2,438 destination fee, which they called “by far the highest of any vehicle” they had tested.
Fisker has been grappling with a series of setbacks in recent months, including production slowdowns, a shift in sales model, and a U.S. government investigation into a potential braking issue. The company’s share price has also taken a hit, dropping below a dollar in February.
Despite these challenges, Fisker has tried to remain optimistic, but the latest review from Consumer Reports is unlikely to help its cause. The publication noted that despite paying for the vehicle, Fisker had not cashed their check, adding to the company’s credibility woes.
