Fisker Inc., the struggling electric vehicle startup, has announced a major recall affecting all Ocean SUVs due to a critical software issue that could potentially cause a loss of power while driving. The voluntary safety recall encompasses 11,201 vehicles in the USA, Canada, and Europe, including 6,864 vehicles across the United States and 201 in Canada.
The Issue: Unexpected Loss of Drive Power
According to the recall notice, the Motor Control Unit (MCU) and Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) software in the affected vehicles may malfunction, causing the Ocean to enter a “safe state protection mode unexpectedly.”
Still, it also results in a complete loss of drive power, leaving the vehicle immobile.
The sudden loss of power while driving poses a significant safety risk, as it could lead to dangerous situations, especially on highways or busy roads. Fisker has acknowledged the severity of the issue and is taking immediate action to address it.
The Solution: Over-the-Air Software Update
Fisker proactively plans to release an over-the-air (OTA) software update to rectify the issue. This update will reprogram the MCU and VCU systems in the affected vehicles, effectively resolving the software glitch and preventing the unexpected loss of drive power.
Fisker has stated that the OTA update will be free to all owners of the 2023 Ocean SUVs. The company anticipates mailing notification letters to owners by June 30, 2024, with instructions on initiating the software update process.
Ongoing Challenges for Fisker
This massive recall is the latest setback for Fisker, which has been grappling with financial difficulties and production challenges since the launch of the Ocean SUV. The company has faced multiple investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over various issues, including faulty brakes, unintended vehicle movement, and doors that fail to open.
Despite these challenges, Fisker is unwavering in its commitment to address the software issue and ensure the safety of its valued customers. The company’s swift action to resolve this recall and regain consumer confidence is paramount for its long-term survival in the highly competitive electric vehicle market.
