The U.S. auto safety regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has recently opened a preliminary probe into Fisker’s 2023 Ocean SUVs due to complaints about the doors of the electric vehicles failing to open. This latest setback for the startup has sparked concerns about the safety of the vehicles and their impact on consumers.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation received 14 complaints citing an intermittent failure of the latch and handle, preventing the opening of the driver, front passenger, and/or rear doors. Some reports also mentioned that the emergency override mechanism failed to open the door, raising further safety concerns.
In response to these complaints, the NHTSA has initiated a preliminary evaluation to assess the scope and severity of the potential problem and its impact on safety. Depending on the findings, further actions may be taken by the regulator, including closing the investigation into Fisker without any action.
Fisker, which has been facing financial challenges such as its delisting from the New York Stock Exchange and failed talks with a potential investor, has not yet commented on the NHTSA investigation. The company has been exploring various options to address its financial issues, including price cuts on its 2023 Ocean SUV models to boost sales and raise capital.
With the pause in vehicle production for six weeks announced in March, Fisker is looking to navigate a challenging period marked by intense competition in the EV market, lower consumer demand due to economic uncertainty, and the need to meet debt obligations. The outcome of the NHTSA investigation and the company’s ability to address these challenges will be crucial for its future prospects.