Fisker, the California-based electric vehicle manufacturer, has issued another safety recall for its Ocean model. This time, the issue lies with faulty brake module software that can unexpectedly reduce regenerative braking, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
Approximately 8,026 vehicles are affected, including 7,745 in the United States and 281 in Canada. The recall was prompted by a series of complaints from Ocean owners who experienced sudden decreases in regenerative braking when driving over bumps.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched an investigation into these allegations in January 2024. After several months of scrutiny, Fisker decided to issue a recall to address the problem.
The faulty software can cause a temporary reduction in negative motor torque when braking over uneven surfaces. This can result in a loss of regenerative braking for approximately three-quarters of a second, during which time drivers must rely solely on traditional friction brakes.
To rectify the issue, Fisker will provide a software update (OS 2.2) that will correct the faulty code. Affected owners will be able to download and install the update over-the-air. The company plans to notify owners by mail no later than October 14, 2024.
Both 2023 and 2024 model year Oceans are included in the recall, covering vehicles produced between February 9, 2023, and March 13, 2024. It’s worth noting that Magna Steyr, the Austrian contract manufacturer that produced the Ocean, has discontinued production of the model.
Magna Steyr, the world’s largest vehicle contract manufacturer, is currently facing a significant shift in its production lineup. While it continues to assemble iconic models like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, BMW Z4, and Toyota GR Supra at its Graz plant, the automaker is set to bid farewell to the Jaguar I-Pace and E-Pace by December 2024. This transition reflects Jaguar’s ambitious plans to become an entirely electric brand.
Meanwhile, the once-promising electric vehicle startup, Fisker, has encountered challenges. After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in June, the company managed to sell its remaining Ocean electric vehicle stock to American Lease for $46.25 million. Despite its financial difficulties, Fisker continues to promote the Ocean, offering substantial discounts on 2023 models.
The Ocean has three configurations: Sport, Ultra, and Extreme. While the Sport features a single motor, the Ultra and Extreme models boast dual-motor setups for enhanced performance. The Ocean Extreme, in particular, stands out with its impressive range of 360 miles and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.7 seconds. When compared to the Tesla Model Y, the Ocean Extreme offers a slightly longer range but is slightly slower in terms of acceleration.
