Owners of the Fisker Ocean SUV are finding themselves having to pay for repairs out of pocket following a series of recalls.
Fisker faces five recalls over l’Oceanrelated to serious technical problems. These recalls, although common in the automotive industry, leave customers without full support, as they have to pay for labor and inspection costs.
Fisker’s communication, while full of excuses, does not provide clear solutions for owners who feel abandoned. As the company tries to relaunch, it will have to regain the trust of a disillusioned customer base.
“Get by”
It’s hard not to feel a certain unease for the early buyers of Fisker, the electric vehicle company led by renowned car designer Henrik Fisker. These pioneers of electric mobility believed in the industry’s renaissance under Fisker’s leadership, putting down deposits to reserve a brand-new electric SUV, the Fisker Ocean. But soon, that adventure took an unexpected turn. A few months after the purchase, the company went bankruptleaving its customers in limbo, with no guarantee for the maintenance of their brand new vehicles..
Today, the situation seems even more complex and frustrating for Fisker Ocean owners, who not only have to deal with a series of recalls, but also bear the costs. Fisker Ocean subject to five recallswhich are not to be taken lightly. Some of the problems identified include a failed electric water pump, faulty door handles, incorrectly displayed warning lights on the dashboard, and more. These defects significantly increase the risk of an accident or injury. And while recalls are not uncommon in the automotive industry, the real problem for Fisker Ocean owners is that they must finance the repairs themselvesIn fact, Fisker only covers the cost of the parts to be replaced, leaving customers to bear the cost of labor and necessary inspections.
Fisker’s sincere but useless apology
Fisker has issued a statement to its customers, in which the company expresses its regret for the inconvenience caused. The company says a list of authorized service centers will be published by the end of September 2024, where owners can bring their vehicles for inspections. However, these inspections and repairs will be largely the responsibility of the customers.
In a FAQ published by the brand, Fisker indicates: “We understand that this may be an additional burden and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Our priority remains your safety and the continued reliability of your vehicle, and we are working diligently to make the process as smooth as possible despite the current challenges.”
Soothing words, yes, but they don’t address the heart of the problem: why should customers, already affected by the brand’s bankruptcy, still have to pay out of pocket for technical failures? The frustration of owners is palpable, especially on online forums. A quick glance at the subreddit Fisker’s campaign shows real anger. Buyers feel betrayed, and for good reason: they invested in a vehicle designed by a promising start-up, driven by the reputation of an industrial designer, only to end up with broken-down cars, without assistance.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
