Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 1,838 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Ocean year — the 2023 model ranks #1 of 2 Ocean years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (433), electrical system (380), and brakes (325), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
1,838
NHTSA complaints
6
Recalls
4
Investigations
30
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
19
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Assistance | 433 | 24% | new |
| Electrical System | 380 | 21% | new |
| Brakes | 325 | 18% | new |
| Other | 283 | 15% | new |
| Transmission | 90 | 5% | new |
| Body & Structure | 59 | 3% | new |
| Engine | 56 | 3% | new |
| Speed Control | 52 | 3% | new |
| Lighting | 48 | 3% | new |
| Fuel System | 40 | 2% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 17 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 16 | 1% | new |
| Seat Belts | 12 | 1% | new |
| Steering | 8 | 0% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 6 | 0% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 0% | new |
| Suspension | 4 | 0% | new |
| Airbags | 4 | 0% | new |
6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. The transmission may not shift into the selected gear, allowing the vehicle to roll away while in Drive or Reverse.
Consequence
A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Fisker released an over-the-air (OTA) software update on March 11, 2024, free of charge. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371.
Defect
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. The brake module software may cause an unexpected reduction in regenerative braking, decreasing the braking performance.
Consequence
Decreased braking performance can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Fisker will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB10062408.
Defect
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. A communication failure with the cabin electric water pump can cause the high voltage battery management system (BMS) to enter limp mode, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Fisker will replace the pumps, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB30032401.
Defect
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. The exterior door handles can stick and fail to open.
Consequence
A door that fails to open can prevent occupants from exiting in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Fisker will inspect and replace the door handles as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB55062401.
Defect
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023 Ocean vehicles. The Motor Control Unit (MCU) and Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) software may cause the vehicle to enter a safe state protection mode unexpectedly, causing a loss of drive power.
Consequence
A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Fisker will release an over-the-air (OTA) update to the MCU and VCU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 13, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB10032403.
Defect
Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023 Ocean vehicles. The instrument panel displays the incorrect font size of the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights, and displays certain warning lights in amber instead of red. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems" and 101, "Controls and Displays." Additionally, multiple warning lights fail to illuminate during the ignition cycle bulb check, failing to comply with the requirements of FMVSS 138 and 208.
Consequence
Warning lights that do not display correctly can fail to alert the driver to critical safety information, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy
Fisker will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 11, 2024. Owners may contact Fisker customer service at 1-844-347-5371. Fisker's number for this recall is TSB70062404.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“The car does not detect pedestrians or other vehicles in the rear of the vehicle. It does, however, detect cars on the side. I just recently backed into another car in a parking garage because this feature does not work. I am disabled, have had a spinal fusion and a neck fusion and I purchased this…”
“On 12/4/23, I parked the vehicle in my garage after driving approximately 40 miles. A strong burning plastic smell was present upon exiting my vehicle. Smell was not apparent in my vehicle. Contacted Fisker that day and told to not drive it except to move it out of my garage away from home and told…”
“I was merging on to Interstate 5 when the vehicle in front stopped very hard to avoid hitting construction equipment that had likely fallen off a truck. I was not able to stop the car in time as the brakes seemed to not be effective. The collision warning braking system did not activate. The…”
“My car was scheduled the first week of the updates. The car would not update. Afterward, the batter drain was very noticeable. Now there is no internet service for the car... not from Fisker and while I can verify it connects to my home wifi and mobile phone hotspot, it will not allow data to the…”
“NO Recall work performed on my car. Received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 & Recall TSB10032403. NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V623000 (Service Brakes, Electric) Fisker Inc has gone out of business. A mandatory recall has been issued and the bankruptcy court has assigned a trustee to…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 1,838 complaints put the 2023 model at #1 of 2 Ocean years. It is one of the Ocean years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (433 complaints), electrical system (380 complaints), brakes (325 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2023 Fisker Ocean. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Ocean years to avoid are 2023.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.