The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated a third investigation into EV startup Fisker ‘s Ocean SUV, this time focusing on challenges related to door accessibility.
The NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has recently issued a notice regarding 14 complaints received from owners of Fisker Oceans who have encountered difficulties in accessing their vehicle’s doors, both from the inside and the outside. The agency has identified an issue with the door latch and handle system, which has been causing intermittent failures. The complaints also suggest that there may be concerns regarding the functionality of the emergency override mechanism.
According to internal documents exclusively reported on by Eltrys in February, customers have experienced prolonged difficulties with their vehicles, resulting in being unable to access or exit their cars for extended periods of time. The problematic key fob from the ocean was responsible for several of those incidents. However, the recent safety investigation indicates a more significant issue with the SUV’s doors. ODI classifies the investigation as a “preliminary evaluation,” typically resolving it within eight months. 
The Ocean SUV is currently under investigation by the ODI for issues related to its braking system as well as complaints regarding the vehicle’s tendency to roll away on uneven surfaces. The company has not issued any recalls for the Ocean. Fisker assured Eltrys that it is fully collaborating with NHTSA regarding this issue.
A new investigation is underway as Fisker teeters on the edge. Fisker temporarily halted production of the Ocean in March, with its financial reserves standing at a mere $121 million. Fisker still has a significant number of Ocean SUVs in inventory that it is finding challenging to sell, whether it be through direct sales or its new dealership model. In a bid to boost sales, the company recently reduced prices by as much as 39%. The company recently delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. A potential partnership with Nissan fell through, jeopardizing an attempt at securing $150 million in rescue funding.
