Fisker dodges safety scandal as federal investigation closes

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) closed a preliminary investigation into Fisker after receiving reports of its all-electric Ocean SUVs rolling away unexpectedly. This investigation was initiated in February 2024 due to four complaints from consumers, one of which resulted in an injury when the vehicle did not shift into park. Following this alarming situation, the bankrupt company, Fisker, took necessary measures by recalling 7,745 of its SUVs, which exhibited this alarming defect. The significant concern surrounding the rollaway risk ultimately prompted federal regulators to step in and ensure the safety of the vehicles on the road. To address the issue, Fisker implemented a software update designed to enhance the vehicle's shifting capabilities and prevent unintended movements. According to the NHTSA, this software upgrade featured two major changes aimed at bolstering the system's robustness. As a result, once these updates were released last month, the NHTSA was satisfied that the immediate concerns regarding the rollaway incidents were appropriately addressed, leading to the investigation's closure. This proactive response from Fisker was essential in regaining consumer trust in their product and brand image in a competitive electric vehicle market. Despite this particular investigation being resolved, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation still maintains an active probe regarding additional complaints associated with Fisker's vehicles. This ongoing investigation targets issues related to inadvertent emergency braking, which has been concerning for some consumers. The presence of multiple reports alleging sudden loss of braking performance, along with claims of unintended automatic braking occurrences, indicates that Fisker still has work to do in order to ensure the overall safety and reliability of their vehicles. As the electric vehicle sector continues to grow rapidly, it is essential for manufacturers like Fisker to address safety concerns swiftly to prevent potential harm and maintain their competitive edge. The recent software upgrade and recall demonstrate Fisker's dedication to consumer safety, but the company must remain vigilant in addressing and resolving any further concerns that could impact their reputation and the safety of their vehicles on the road.