Fisker Ocean: The Final Failure for Henrik Fisker
Henrik Fisker has now watched two of his automotive startups collapse under the weight of their own ambition. The first was the gorgeous but doomed Fisker Karma plug-in hybrid; the second is the all-electric Fisker Ocean. Despite sharp styling, the Ocean has become a textbook example of what happens when an EV is rushed to market without proper development – and Consumer Reports just bought one to prove it.
A Laundry List of Quality Nightmares
The problems started the moment the car was delivered: scratches, dirt, and a completely dead 12-volt battery. Driver-assist systems threw constant errors, warning lights illuminated randomly, and the cabin filled with creaks and rattles that would embarrass a 15-year-old economy car. Even basic functions felt half-baked.
An Unfinished Product on Public Roads
Consumer Reports called the Ocean “essentially unfinished.” The transmission hesitated or refused to engage, the climate control on the driver’s side simply didn’t work, and the power mirrors couldn’t be adjusted properly – creating blind spots on the highway. In multiple cases, owners walked away thinking the car was off, only to discover it was still running because the shutdown sequence failed.
Plummeting Values and a Flood of Cheap Used Examples
Despite a decent interior and surprisingly punchy acceleration, resale values have collapsed. New Oceans originally started at around $63,000–$78,000 depending on trim (Extreme models topped $80,000 with options). Today, near-new 2023–2024 examples with under 5,000 miles are listed across the U.S. for $25,000–$35,000 – and many still sit unsold for months.
Approximate current market price in the United States: $25,000–$35,000 for low-mileage used examples.
Safety Under Fire – Literally
The Ocean has already racked up six NHTSA safety recalls, including sudden loss of power while driving, doors that won’t open in an emergency, and brake systems that fail to meet federal standards. One recall addresses a software fault that can cause the vehicle to lose motive power entirely on the highway. Another involves exterior door handles that may not function, potentially trapping occupants in a crash.
The Verdict
The Fisker Ocean stands as one of the biggest automotive flops of 2024. Even at fire-sale prices, buyers are steering clear – and for good reason. When an organization like Consumer Reports calls something the worst car of the year and backs it up with a purchase and months of testing, it’s hard to argue. This is an EV that simply should never have been sold to the public.
