Faraday Future’s tumultuous journey is encapsulated by nearly $4 billion in losses over nearly a decade. Initially dismissed by many, the LA-based startup founded by Chinese entrepreneur Jia Yueting faces a precarious future, with doubts about its survival into 2025 without a significant infusion of cash. Adding to its woes, the company has issued its inaugural safety recall.
Documents disclosed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal that 11 units of the FF 91 2.0 Alliance require an over-the-air software update. The issue at hand? Faraday Future states a software glitch prevents the airbag malfunction indicator from activating in case of a communication fault with the airbag control unit.
The company became aware of this issue on February 12 during a design review of the airbag control unit. The affected vehicles were manufactured between March 01, 2023, and December 01, 2023, a timeframe aligning closely with the official commencement of FF 91 series production on March 29, 2023.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification letters between March 15 and March 20. Meanwhile, they can contact Faraday Future via email or phone for support. Alternatively, they can input their 17-character vehicle identification number on the NHTSA’s website.
The affected vehicles include VINs 7G090AMR6PH000001, 7G090AMR7PH000011, 7G090FMR6PH000349, and 7G090FMR6PH000349. The FF 91 is exclusively produced in Hanford, California. Notably, Faraday Future is facing financial strain, owing Rexford Industrial, the landlord of its headquarters, nearly $1 million after missing two months’ rent.
This isn’t the first time the company has faced such challenges, as it previously defaulted on lease payments for an office in San Jose. According to reports, Faraday Future had to implement salary reductions or furloughs to sustain its operations. While the company acknowledged these reports, it refrained from providing further details.
Faraday Future, despite its struggles, boasts an annual production capacity of 10,000 vehicles. Among its offerings, the FF 91 comes in three variants, with the 2.0 Futurist Alliance standing as the most expensive. Limited to just 300 units worldwide, the FF 91 starts at a hefty $309,000.
The FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance, equipped with three motors generating 1,050 horsepower, touts a driving range of 381 miles (613 kilometers) from its 142-kilowatt-hour battery.
Noteworthy features include Zero Gravity seats, a 27-inch rear screen, 22-inch forged aluminum wheels, and exclusive paint and interior trims, along with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 2.27 seconds.
