NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
883 reportsMileage unknown · May 8, 2024
SeatsUnknown Or Other
The vehicle will not go into drive or reverse unless you move to the front edge of the driver seat. The vehicle will go into park whenever you come to a stop, whether at traffic lights, in traffic at a roundabout, or on the highway when there is a lot of traffic. Due to the first issue of getting it into drive, this becomes pr…
Read full complaint
The vehicle will not go into drive or reverse unless you move to the front edge of the driver seat. The vehicle will go into park whenever you come to a stop, whether at traffic lights, in traffic at a roundabout, or on the highway when there is a lot of traffic. Due to the first issue of getting it into drive, this becomes problematic when you have to move the front edge of the seat to get it back into gear.
NHTSA ODI #11587668
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2024
Lane DepartureVehicle Speed Control
The Fisker Ocean is an unsafe vehicle. In the two and a half months I have owned the vehicle, I have experienced the following serious safety issues that have put other vehicles and my self at risk: - The vehicle will accelerate unexpectedly, nearly causing me to crash into a vehicle ahead of me on one occasion and almost run in…
Read full complaint
The Fisker Ocean is an unsafe vehicle. In the two and a half months I have owned the vehicle, I have experienced the following serious safety issues that have put other vehicles and my self at risk: - The vehicle will accelerate unexpectedly, nearly causing me to crash into a vehicle ahead of me on one occasion and almost run into oncoming traffic in another occasion. - Blind spot protection is inaccurate and frequently will not be available. - Lane keeping assistance overcorrects such that it has caused me in multiple occasions to swerve then I have to overcorrect and have nearly missed hitting other vehicles. - ADAS system features (collision warning, front and rear cameras, paying attention) frequently unavailable or misreport problems, causing me to panic trying to figure out what is wrong. The vehicle has been serviced on three occasions by the manufacturer and is awaiting a fourth (no date provided). Fisker has reported no solve for the acceleration and has said the last update would correct ADAS issues but has not. The issues started almost immediately upon delivery of my vehicle. The issues happen at all speeds, and I cannot predict when. I am happy to provide service records but Fisker has not properly documented that they addressed in service visits, but I do have in email.
NHTSA ODI #11587306
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2024
Unknown Or Other
I was in my vehicle, parked, and suddenly could not open the door and could not exit the vehicle. I was trapped inside. I got part of the video, which shows that I was in park, attempted to unlock the door, and could not get out. I eventually reset the vehicle twice to get the door to open. There was no warning. I just put my ca…
Read full complaint
I was in my vehicle, parked, and suddenly could not open the door and could not exit the vehicle. I was trapped inside. I got part of the video, which shows that I was in park, attempted to unlock the door, and could not get out. I eventually reset the vehicle twice to get the door to open. There was no warning. I just put my car in park and could not get out of the vehicle. I worry if I were in a wreck that I could not exit the vehicle. I also have an infant and worry if the doors are stuck that they would not be able to reset the vehicle and could get stuck in the car/especially as temperatures rise. I have told the company, but the company has not made an attempt to fix the vehicle yet. I have a video, but was unable to attach. Happy to send.
NHTSA ODI #11587283
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2024
Service Brakes
The brakes fail to operate when brake regeneration is active while driving over rough road surfaces. The brake pedal must be applied a second time in order to engage the power brake system.
NHTSA ODI #11587115
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2024
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I have severe safety concerns about the malfunction of the vehicle’s regenerative braking system. Since I purchased the car, it has unexpectedly lurched forward during stop-and-go traffic on several occasions. This sudden and unpredictable acceleration poses a clear risk of collision and injury to both the vehicle’s occupants …
Read full complaint
I have severe safety concerns about the malfunction of the vehicle’s regenerative braking system. Since I purchased the car, it has unexpectedly lurched forward during stop-and-go traffic on several occasions. This sudden and unpredictable acceleration poses a clear risk of collision and injury to both the vehicle’s occupants and other road users. Despite multiple attempts over the past six months, Fisker has been unable to diagnose and repair this braking defect. As a result, I am left with a vehicle that is unsafe to operate under normal driving conditions. Fisker’s failure to address this problem promptly raises concerns about a potentially widespread defect affecting other 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles." Please note that Fisker has responded to customer feedback and issued an over-the-air software update to improve the regenerative system, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is still investigating the braking problems.
NHTSA ODI #11586841
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2024
Forward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesSteering
When driving and releasing the accelerator, the regen kicks in to slow the car and provide deceleration and regeneration. During this time, you can feel the brake pedal vibrate. When allowing regen to kick in and suddenly driving over a bump or uneven surface, the regen turns off, and thus, the car gets pushed forward suddenly a…
Read full complaint
When driving and releasing the accelerator, the regen kicks in to slow the car and provide deceleration and regeneration. During this time, you can feel the brake pedal vibrate. When allowing regen to kick in and suddenly driving over a bump or uneven surface, the regen turns off, and thus, the car gets pushed forward suddenly as the part of deacceleration coming of the regen is not present. This ultimately translates into an increase in the stopping distance since the driver is under the assumption that the regen braking is going to be present. To compensate, when using the manual brake pedal, suddenly, the car responds by activating the ABS and momentarily continuing forward at a slightly faster speed for a few feet. In addition, with 2.0, it has been observed that the current braking is a mix of manual brakes and regen brakes. You can see while the system is working, your brake pedal is being compressed automatically while the regen is also being active. when driving over an even surface, the regen gets deactivated, and the brake pedal remains compressed and does not come back up as quickly as it should; it appears that during this time, you are basically pressing the pedal, and there is essentially no regen brakes working, and the manual brakes appear to be activating. Compounding my concerns are the numerous warning messages that have appeared on the vehicle's dashboard, including "Auto Emergency Braking unavailable - Drive carefully" and "Brake system malfunction - Service is required", "Lane Keep Assistance Deativated" "Front Facing Collision Camera Fault". No service tickets have been provided to track, and no prior tickets for vent issues have been addressed. Poor communication and service provided into evaluating and addressing these concerns and braking issues.
NHTSA ODI #11586754
Mileage unknown · May 3, 2024
Electrical SystemService Brakes
During Moderate Braking, while driving over a bump, the entire drivetrain and braking system with "let go", and it feels like a surge in the drivetrain. During this time braking is unresponsive until it re-engages the system. If attempting to replicate, and viewing the driver's information console, sometimes you can see the "t…
Read full complaint
During Moderate Braking, while driving over a bump, the entire drivetrain and braking system with "let go", and it feels like a surge in the drivetrain. During this time braking is unresponsive until it re-engages the system. If attempting to replicate, and viewing the driver's information console, sometimes you can see the "transmission" switch between Drive and Neutral and back to drive again. I have reported this to Fisker only weeks after receiving the vehicle in Sept 2023. They met me in a parking lot in San Diego, where "Taylor" a Magna Styer Engineering Technician for the ADAS system stated this was a known issue. Then in Dec 2023 or Jan 2024 the NHTSA reported that Fisker had fixed the problem - they have NOT, but since moving to Utah, the roads are a bit better than my original purchase location. On [XXX] while driving to work and when running over a very small bump in the road service on an exit ramp from [XXX], the regen braking and manual braking system released while driving, and my vehicle was propelled and continued through an intersection on a red light. This is becoming a common occurrence since the OS 2.0 update. Thankfully, there were no vehicles in the intersection and I made a sharp right turn and could not come to a complete stop. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11586729
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2024
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes
The most critical issue is a malfunction in the vehicle's regenerative braking system, which has caused the car to lurch forward unexpectedly during stop-and-go traffic on several occasions since I purchased . This sudden and unpredictable acceleration poses a clear risk of collision and injury to both the vehicle's occupants an…
Read full complaint
The most critical issue is a malfunction in the vehicle's regenerative braking system, which has caused the car to lurch forward unexpectedly during stop-and-go traffic on several occasions since I purchased . This sudden and unpredictable acceleration poses a clear risk of collision and injury to both the vehicle's occupants and other road users. Despite several attempts to have Fisker diagnose and repair this braking defect over the past six months, the issue persists, leaving me with a vehicle that is unsafe to operate in normal driving conditions. Fisker's inability to resolve this problem in a timely manner raises concerns about a potentially widespread defect affecting other 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles. Compounding my concerns are the numerous warning messages that have appeared on the vehicle's dashboard, including "Auto Emergency Braking unavailable - Drive carefully" and "Brake system malfunction - Service is required." These alerts, combined with the actual performance issues I have experienced, strongly suggest that there are significant problems with the braking system that could have catastrophic consequences if left unaddressed. I am aware that the NHTSA has already opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE24001) into alleged braking performance issues in 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles, and I believe my experience provides further evidence of the seriousness and scope of this problem. The fact that Fisker has not been able to effectively repair my vehicle despite multiple attempts underscores the need for a thorough investigation and a buy-back from Fisker. In addition to the braking issues, I have also experienced other concerning problems with my Fisker Ocean, including phantom battery drain, a malfunctioning camera, and a non-functional solar roof. Please expedite this so that i can get another car to safely drive my children to school.
NHTSA ODI #11586665
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2024
Unknown Or Other
After enabling a "hill hold" feature where the car will stop after braking without needing to leave foot on brake, the car will automatically go into park/standby mode which results in car basically shutting off. This has affected many fisker oceans since their latest update. The car will stall on the freeway in stop and go tr…
Read full complaint
After enabling a "hill hold" feature where the car will stop after braking without needing to leave foot on brake, the car will automatically go into park/standby mode which results in car basically shutting off. This has affected many fisker oceans since their latest update. The car will stall on the freeway in stop and go traffic, at stoplights and stop signs. The driver must then put the car back into gear which with this vehicle does not happen expeditiously which results in stress and danger if someone approaching quickly from the rear. I need to attach videos to show this problem but this site will only allow pictures.
NHTSA ODI #11586519
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2024
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other
Vehicle will often not recognize included key FOB resulting in car shifting into park while stopped on the road, sometimes for multiple minutes, creating a very unsafe stopped car in active roadways. Vehicle dash will state "FOB not in vehicle." FOB is designed to communicate via NFC to ensure that the correct FOB is with the co…
Read full complaint
Vehicle will often not recognize included key FOB resulting in car shifting into park while stopped on the road, sometimes for multiple minutes, creating a very unsafe stopped car in active roadways. Vehicle dash will state "FOB not in vehicle." FOB is designed to communicate via NFC to ensure that the correct FOB is with the correct vehicle. My vehicle has never recognized the FOB and instead relies solely on the FOB's battery to maintain constant communication with the car. Resulting in the FOB battery going dead 4-5 times a week. Car is un-drivable because of this.
NHTSA ODI #11586484
Official recalls
6Nov 15, 2024
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. The transmission may not shift into the selected gear, allowing the vehicle to roll away while in Drive or Reverse.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Fisker released an over-the-air (OTA) software update on March 11, 2024, free of charge. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371.
Aug 20, 2024
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. The brake module software may cause an unexpected reduction in regenerative braking, decreasing the braking performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Decreased braking performance can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Fisker will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB10062408.
Jul 2, 2024
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. A communication failure with the cabin electric water pump can cause the high voltage battery management system (BMS) to enter limp mode, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Fisker will replace the pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB30032401.
Jun 20, 2024
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. The exterior door handles can stick and fail to open.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A door that fails to open can prevent occupants from exiting in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Fisker will inspect and replace the door handles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB55062401.
Jun 5, 2024
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023 Ocean vehicles. The Motor Control Unit (MCU) and Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) software may cause the vehicle to enter a safe state protection mode unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Fisker will release an over-the-air (OTA) update to the MCU and VCU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB10032403.
Jun 5, 2024
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023 Ocean vehicles. The instrument panel displays the incorrect font size of the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights, and displays certain warning lights in amber instead of red. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems" and 101, "Controls and Displays." Additionally, multiple warning lights fail to illuminate during the ignition cycle bulb check, failing to comply with the requirements of FMVSS 138 and 208.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Warning lights that do not display correctly can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Fisker will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB70062404.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
4PE24013 · Inadvertent Automatic Emergency Braking
Opened May 8, 2024 · Closed Jan 16, 2025
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
On May 8, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24013 to investigate reports of inadvertent activation of the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system in model year (MY) 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles manufactured by Fisker Group Inc. (Fisker). The complaints allege the activation of AEB without an apparent roadway obstruction in the vehicle’s forward path, resulting in sudden vehicle deceleration. This sudden deceleration occurs without adequate warning or input from the driver. The braking applications range from momentary, partial application resulting in rapid loss of speed to full application, which brings the vehicle to a complete stop in the travel lane. ODI sent Fisker an Information Request (IR) letter on May 20, 2024. On June 17 and 19, 2024, Fisker and its affiliates filed a voluntary petition for relief under chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Fisker provided an incomplete response to the IR on July 1, 2024. Limited information pertaining to system validation and failure data was provided. Fisker subsequently requested more time to provide additional responsive files due to limited available resources. Fisker sent additional responsive files on September 9, 2024, September 17, 2024, and December 16, 2024, but Fisker’s response did not contain sufficient information for ODI to fully evaluate the alleged safety defect. Further, on December 27, 2024, the Fisker employees with whom ODI had been corresponding informed ODI that all Fisker employees were being “dismissed” as of that date. ODI therefore does not anticipate receiving any further responsive submissions such that it can fully evaluate the reports that led to this investigation. ODI performed phone interviews and sent a survey to consumers to obtain more information and validate the allegations. Additionally, ODI reviewed allegations of the alleged safety defect that were submitted to various online forums. Most of these reports were similar in nature to the reports received by ODI. Some of the reports in online forums appear to be duplicative reports that were also submitted to ODI. Based on the responses received and analysis of similar online reporting, there was no clear trend in the following factors pertaining to the allegations: reoccurrence of events (i.e., single or multiple incidents), speed immediately prior to the event, whether the event concluded in a reduction of speed or a full stop, roadway conditions, and warning immediately prior to the event. To date, between the reports provided by Fisker and complaints made directly to the agency, ODI is aware of over 20 reports alleging inadvertent AEB activation. Before the employees were dismissed, Fisker’s testing done in response to the inadvertent AEB allegations reportedly did not result in any inadvertent AEB activations. The “Manufacturer” and “Total” counts in the above table have been left blank because of a pending request for confidential treatment by Fisker that could not be timely addressed given the company’s status. This information factored into ODI’s investigation and analysis. The available information does not warrant further action at this time. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. Additionally, the Agency notes that the Vehicle Safety Act states: “A manufacturer’s filing of a petition in bankruptcy under chapter 7 or chapter 11 of title 11 does not negate the manufacturer’s duty to comply with section 30112 or sections 30115 through 30120 of this title,” which include the recall provisions of the Act. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE24010 · Failure To Open Door
Opened Apr 1, 2024 · Closed Aug 26, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
On April 1, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24010 to investigate instances of failure to open the door in model year (MY) 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles manufactured by Fisker Group Inc. Some complaints allege the inability to open the door from either the interior or exterior door handle, resulting in the need to use another door to egress. The investigation revealed that all four exterior door handles are subject to sticking in the extended/unlocked position, which may result in the inability to unlatch the door from either the interior or exterior door handle. The root cause is a dimensional interference between the exterior door handle chassis pocket and door handle, causing friction during handle deployment and retraction. The inability to open and egress from the occupant’s adjacent door presents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. On June 27, 2024, Fisker filed recall 24V-466 for certain MY 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles. The recall remedy includes an inspection procedure for all four doors and provides replacement of the outer door handle if a “Not Okay” result is found. In view of the recall action being taken by Fisker, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE24005 · Unintended Vehicle Movement
Opened Feb 14, 2024 · Closed Dec 6, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission
On February 14, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24005 to investigate reports of unintended vehicle movement in model year (MY) 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles manufactured by Fisker Group Inc. The complaints allege the inability to shift into the park gear and/or vehicle rollaway. The investigation found that the subject vehicles contain a logic that prevents the engagement of the park gear when the park gear request is made while the vehicle is still moving at low speeds. In the event the driver requests the park gear prior to the vehicle achieving a complete standstill status, the vehicle rejects the park gear request, displays a visual warning, and shifts into the neutral gear. Therefore, if the driver does not properly restrain the vehicle prior to exiting (i.e., allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop, then provide a second park gear request and/or engage the parking brake), the vehicle is at risk of freely rolling away in neutral. ODI found that existing strategies to deter drivers from exiting the vehicle after failing to ensure the transmission successfully engages the park gear have not stopped some from doing so. The absence of additional mechanisms to mitigate the effects of driver behavior in failing to ensure the park gear was engaged prior to exiting the vehicle constitutes a defect presenting a risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is aware of one reported injury due to this safety defect. On November 15, 2024, Fisker filed recall 24V-865 for all MY 2023-2024 Fisker Ocean vehicles. The recall remedy is the release of software upgrade OS 2.0. This software update provides additional robustness to prevent unintended vehicle movement via two major changes. First, in the event the driver seatbelt is unlatched when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, logic was added to initiate an automatic, controlled deceleration to bring the vehicle to a standstill. Once standstill status is achieved, the vehicle will automatically engage the park gear and the electronic parking brake. Second, OS 2.0 introduced an “Auto Vehicle Hold” feature, which holds the vehicle in standstill by maintaining friction brake pressure when the driver removes their foot from the brake pedal. This feature prevents the vehicle from rolling under gravity, which therefore helps engage both the park gear and electronic parking brake. In view of the recall action being taken by Fisker, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE24001 · Loss Of Braking Performance
Opened Jan 11, 2024 · Closed Aug 26, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Electric:software/programming
On January 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24001 to investigate instances of loss of braking performance in model year (MY) 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles manufactured by Fisker Group Inc. The complaints allege an intermittent partial loss of regenerative braking over low traction surfaces, without alerting the driver. ODI is aware of six minor crashes and one injury due to this failure. The subject vehicles utilize a brake blending feature to achieve deceleration. Upon application of the brake pedal, both the service brake system (friction braking) and regenerative braking system (electric motor negative torque) are applied. Regenerative braking on low friction road surfaces may result in wheel slippage due to the high motor negative torque. The vehicle responds by reducing and/or eliminating regenerative braking torque to reduce wheel slip on drive wheels to maintain vehicle stability and steerability. This reduction in regenerative braking may cause a sensation of loss of braking force (or even vehicle accelerating) that was reported by consumers. Additionally, the driver may experience an unusual/altered brake pedal feel during loss of regenerative braking events, requiring them to press the brake pedal harder to maintain the expected braking rate. Upon exiting the low friction road surface, the regenerative braking force is restored. The initial calibration of the regenerative braking system contained aggressive interventions with a slower recovery in the event of loss of regenerative braking. In November 2023, Fisker launched an Over-the-Air update (OS1.10 SW). This update included a recalibration to reduce regenerative braking torque less aggressively and allow torque recovery to occur more quickly. Based on consumer reports and the data that Fisker provided in response to ODI’s inquiry, OS 1.10 SW reduced, but did not eliminate, the sensation of loss of braking force and resulted in stopping distance performance improvements. Friction braking is always available when the driver presses the brake pedal, and its performance is unaffected by regenerative brake loss. Fisker’s braking system is designed to reach full deceleration even with an unavailable regenerative braking system. The partial loss of braking force during moderate braking events can be overcome by applying additional pressure to the brake pedal to slow or stop the vehicle. On August 20, 2024, Fisker filed recall 24V-623 for all 2023 MY Fisker Ocean vehicles produced for the U.S.A. The recall remedy includes OS 2.2 over-the-air update, which is expected to modify the brake module to enhance the vehicle brake system’s ability to adapt to various driving scenarios. With successful implementation of OS 2.2, a road disturbance will not trigger a reduction in regenerative braking torque. In view of the recall action being taken by Fisker, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Electric:software/programming
On January 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24001 to investigate instances of loss of braking performance in model year (MY) 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles manufactured by Fisker Group Inc. The complaints allege an intermittent partial loss of regenerative braking over low traction surfaces, without alerting the driver. ODI is aware of six minor crashes and one injury due to this failure. The subject vehicles utilize a brake blending feature to achieve deceleration. Upon application of the brake pedal, both the service brake system (friction braking) and regenerative braking system (electric motor negative torque) are applied. Regenerative braking on low friction road surfaces may result in wheel slippage due to the high motor negative torque. The vehicle responds by reducing and/or eliminating regenerative braking torque to reduce wheel slip on drive wheels to maintain vehicle stability and steerability. This reduction in regenerative braking may cause a sensation of loss of braking force (or even vehicle accelerating) that was reported by consumers. Additionally, the driver may experience an unusual/altered brake pedal feel during loss of regenerative braking events, requiring them to press the brake pedal harder to maintain the expected braking rate. Upon exiting the low friction road surface, the regenerative braking force is restored. The initial calibration of the regenerative braking system contained aggressive interventions with a slower recovery in the event of loss of regenerative braking. In November 2023, Fisker launched an Over-the-Air update (OS1.10 SW). This update included a recalibration to reduce regenerative braking torque less aggressively and allow torque recovery to occur more quickly. Based on consumer reports and the data that Fisker provided in response to ODI’s inquiry, OS 1.10 SW reduced, but did not eliminate, the sensation of loss of braking force and resulted in stopping distance performance improvements. Friction braking is always available when the driver presses the brake pedal, and its performance is unaffected by regenerative brake loss. Fisker’s braking system is designed to reach full deceleration even with an unavailable regenerative braking system. The partial loss of braking force during moderate braking events can be overcome by applying additional pressure to the brake pedal to slow or stop the vehicle. On August 20, 2024, Fisker filed recall 24V-623 for all 2023 MY Fisker Ocean vehicles produced for the U.S.A. The recall remedy includes OS 2.2 over-the-air update, which is expected to modify the brake module to enhance the vehicle brake system’s ability to adapt to various driving scenarios. With successful implementation of OS 2.2, a road disturbance will not trigger a reduction in regenerative braking torque. In view of the recall action being taken by Fisker, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Service Brakes
On January 11, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24001 to investigate instances of loss of braking performance in model year (MY) 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles manufactured by Fisker Group Inc. The complaints allege an intermittent partial loss of regenerative braking over low traction surfaces, without alerting the driver. ODI is aware of six minor crashes and one injury due to this failure. The subject vehicles utilize a brake blending feature to achieve deceleration. Upon application of the brake pedal, both the service brake system (friction braking) and regenerative braking system (electric motor negative torque) are applied. Regenerative braking on low friction road surfaces may result in wheel slippage due to the high motor negative torque. The vehicle responds by reducing and/or eliminating regenerative braking torque to reduce wheel slip on drive wheels to maintain vehicle stability and steerability. This reduction in regenerative braking may cause a sensation of loss of braking force (or even vehicle accelerating) that was reported by consumers. Additionally, the driver may experience an unusual/altered brake pedal feel during loss of regenerative braking events, requiring them to press the brake pedal harder to maintain the expected braking rate. Upon exiting the low friction road surface, the regenerative braking force is restored. The initial calibration of the regenerative braking system contained aggressive interventions with a slower recovery in the event of loss of regenerative braking. In November 2023, Fisker launched an Over-the-Air update (OS1.10 SW). This update included a recalibration to reduce regenerative braking torque less aggressively and allow torque recovery to occur more quickly. Based on consumer reports and the data that Fisker provided in response to ODI’s inquiry, OS 1.10 SW reduced, but did not eliminate, the sensation of loss of braking force and resulted in stopping distance performance improvements. Friction braking is always available when the driver presses the brake pedal, and its performance is unaffected by regenerative brake loss. Fisker’s braking system is designed to reach full deceleration even with an unavailable regenerative braking system. The partial loss of braking force during moderate braking events can be overcome by applying additional pressure to the brake pedal to slow or stop the vehicle. On August 20, 2024, Fisker filed recall 24V-623 for all 2023 MY Fisker Ocean vehicles produced for the U.S.A. The recall remedy includes OS 2.2 over-the-air update, which is expected to modify the brake module to enhance the vehicle brake system’s ability to adapt to various driving scenarios. With successful implementation of OS 2.2, a road disturbance will not trigger a reduction in regenerative braking torque. In view of the recall action being taken by Fisker, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Illustration