Fisker Faces New Trouble as US Opens Probe into Ocean SUVs' Brake System

Amidst a Series of Challenges, Fisker's Woes Deepen with Safety Investigation Over Brake Issues in its Iconic Electric SUVs.

In the world of electric vehicles, Fisker Automotive finds itself navigating choppy waters once again. The U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has ignited a preliminary probe into Fisker's Ocean SUVs, following reports of concerning malfunctions in the vehicle's automatic emergency braking system.

With 6,813 Ocean SUVs from the 2023 production line under scrutiny, the investigation stems from a spate of complaints detailing instances where the braking system allegedly engaged without any detectable obstruction in the vehicle's path. These abrupt activations reportedly led to sudden vehicle deceleration, with three incidents resulting in injuries, as per the NHTSA.

This latest setback compounds Fisker's ongoing challenges, adding to previous investigations initiated by the NHTSA. Prior concerns centered around complaints regarding the functionality of the company's EV doors, further amplifying scrutiny on the reliability and safety of Fisker's flagship electric offerings.

In April, the plot thickened as Fisker defaulted on an interest payment totaling approximately $8.4 million for notes due in 2026, triggering a 30-day grace period. Facing a cash crunch, the company took the drastic step of initiating insolvency proceedings for its Austrian unit earlier this week, signaling a desperate bid to explore strategic avenues to mitigate mounting debt obligations.

Fisker's future hangs in the balance, as stakeholders closely monitor the outcome of the NHTSA's preliminary evaluation. While the investigation could potentially culminate without any formal action against the electric vehicle manufacturer, the specter of safety concerns looms large, casting a shadow over Fisker's ambitious endeavors in the burgeoning EV market.