Cristian Fleming purchased a Fisker Ocean electric vehicle for approximately $70,000, attracted by its 350-mile range and unique features such as the “California Mode” that lowers all windows simultaneously. However, after seven months, Fisker filed for bankruptcy in June 2024, following the delivery of only 11,000 vehicles, leaving many early adopters like Fleming facing significant issues with their cars.
These owners reported problems such as battery failures, software glitches, and malfunctioning key fobs and door handles. With Fisker’s closure, there was no recourse for repairs, leading to rising complaints as replacement parts became scarce. Owners who had once invested in high-end models found themselves with vehicles that were no longer functional.
In response to these challenges, many Fisker Ocean owners formed the Fisker Owners Association (FOA), a nonprofit organization. The FOA aims to support its members by providing third-party apps and establishing a parts supply chain for their vehicles. Currently, Fleming acts as the president of the organization, which has amassed around 4,055 members, generating approximately $3 million annually through dues.
The owners group has a history of similar efforts, although those were generally focused on older vehicles. The FOA seeks to perform real-time updates and improvements on a relatively new EV fleet. It has also birthed three companies dedicated to handling parts and software solutions for the Ocean.
Despite these initiatives, the resale value of the Ocean has decreased significantly, with reports suggesting drops of over 40% since the bankruptcy. Some owners are reportedly receiving low trade-in offers, while safety concerns have emerged due to recalls of vehicles concerning software issues. The FOA’s ability to succeed in maintaining the community’s vehicles and addressing existing problems remains uncertain as they face the task of proving what a volunteer organization can accomplish compared to a previously established automotive startup.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/transportation/785872/fisker-ocean-ownership-association-software-recall