2023 Fisker Ocean Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2023 Fisker Ocean carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering instrument cluster/panel and software. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Unperformed recall repairs and out-of-pocket costs.” Fisker is two different orphan stories. The 2012 Karma sedan is an EV with a GM turbo generator aboard; its handbook sets brake fluid at 5 years or 50,000 miles and coolant at 5 years or 150,000, and the cars are best served today through the Karma Automotive lineage that inherited the design, whose bulletins effectively govern the engine. The Ocean is a 2023-24 EV whose maker went bankrupt in 2024; support is a patchwork of the owners association, former Fisker technicians, and EV-savvy independents, and no official schedule is publicly accessible. For the Ocean we list standard EV practice and label it that way. On both cars, the 12V battery is the thing to stay ahead of; a weak one causes most of the drama.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

Campaign #24V405000 · May 6, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM):SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V404000 · May 6, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HANDLE:EXTERIOR

Campaign #24V466000 · Jun 20, 2024

Issue: Fisker Group Inc (Fisker) is recalling all 2023-2024 Ocean vehicles. The exterior door handles can stick and fail to open.

Risk: A door that fails to open can prevent occupants from exiting in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)

Campaign #24V499000 · Feb 7, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: A sudden loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC:SOFTWARE/PROGRAMMING

Campaign #24V623000 · Aug 20, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: Decreased braking performance can extend the distance required to stop, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; AUTOHOLD BRAKE SYSTEM/BRAKE HOLD:SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V865000 · Nov 15, 2024

Issue: 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.

Risk: A vehicle roll away increases the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2023 Fisker Ocean.

Reported to NHTSA

Unperformed recall repairs and out-of-pocket costs

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

68 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2026-05

This is regarding recall campaigns 24V466000 and 24V499000. Three problems: 1. The nearest service center that performs recall work is over 150 miles and 2.5 hours of travel time from my home
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644151
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V499000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not available
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700887
We have had both the door handle and water pump recalls performed by a FISKER (FOA) approved servicing center. Reimbursement is required by both the NHTSA and bankruptcy court and the court designated that American Lease was responsible for processing and paying those…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11656109

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Vehicle inoperable after over-the-air software update

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

29 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2026-05

OTA Update pushed to vehicle caused the vehicle to stop responding to any external signal. Doors will not unlock or open. Vehicle is completely unusable
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644991
There was an unscheduled Over-The-Air software update sent to my car during early morning hours of 18Feb2025. The update did not get applied properly and now car is "bricked". I cannot open the doors even using the NFC reader on door handle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643633
The car is completely bricked and will not function after an over the air update. It was functioning before the update
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645933

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Door handles sticking and failing to open

STRUCTURE

12 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2025-08

The exterior door handle started sticking and not retracting upon locking the car or upon driving it. Over a couple of months, the door stopped opening from the inside and outside
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643826
My door handle on driver side will not open from Inside. Critical Safety hazard
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11654375
There were three times that after I had the car in park and tried to get out that I was unable to open the driver door to exit. The driver door out side handle did not automatically pop out to allow me to exit
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644954

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Infotainment and driver display blackouts

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

10 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2025-05

My Fisker Ocean ICC infotainment screen and the lower climate and sound control panel have stopped functioning. Initially it was restarting on its own once in a while
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11661332
After an unannounced over the air update my ICC module is now on constant boot loop Center screen. Fisker logo appears a blank backlit screen is present for about five minutes and then everything tries to reboot speedometer cluster screen above the steering wheel included
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644727
Our Fisker Ocean One since it was disconnected from the cloud, now the cluster screen and main infotainment screen go black, can’t see the speed, can’t adjust temperature or turn on A/C, sometimes it works and when accelerating and staying in motion goes black
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11662982

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ADAS faults and false warning alerts

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, LANE DEPARTURE

20 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2026-01

Lane Keep Assist is non-functional despite 2.3 update. Random faults on radar, blind-spot, lane-keep assist and rear-cross traffic. Adaptive Cruise Control in non-functioning despite 2.3 update
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11713097
THE SCREEN SHOW: " RADAR FAULT" Some features limited or unavailable. The warning light, the side mirrors do not appear
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11662920
24V405000 - Constant alerts are very distracting while driving, causing me to have to verify if the warnings can be ignored or if it is a major issue
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643576

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Sudden loss of drive power while driving

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2025-07

I was driving the car and it suddenly lost all power and created hazards situation in the middle of the road. The car stalled, luckily there were not much traffic and I was able to stop and after a while it regained some power so I was able to drive the car back home
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660164
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The braking system failure and the radar not detected messages were displayed
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648927
While accelerating from a stoplight the car shuddered and came to a stop. All power was lost in the intersection
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11649140

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Regenerative braking disengagement and brake surging

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2025-08

When regenerative braking is engaged and driving over ruff road the braking disengages causing the vehicle to speed out of control
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643444
As for the brakes, they shoot us forward every now and again when pressed. It is very scary
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678928
I drive my Fisker every day and experience the failed breaking when trying to stop on rough terrain, bumps, or holes in the road. This was supposed to be addressed in recall 24V865000
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11644762

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Unintended shifts into Park or Neutral

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SEATS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

8 NHTSA complaints · 2025-02 → 2025-08

car shifts into PARK unexpectedly; car refuses to unlock at times; car sounds warning alarms and messages about Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning shutting down; car has completely "bricked" twice
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11643734
Seat sensor - does not sense a person sitting which affects the ability to put the vehicle into gear or automatically puts the vehicle into park if in gear
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663560
VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY "BRICKS" VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY SHIFTS FROM DRIVE TO PARK WHILE AT A RESTING STOP I.E. STOPLIGHT DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE INTERIOR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671936

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Note: NHTSA also opened 4 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Oil & Filter (Karma Range Extender)

Every 10,000 mi

No verified factory interval survives for the 2012 sedan's 2.0T generator. The successor Karma cars run oil by engine-hour monitoring; for the 2012, an annual change with quality synthetic is the sensible floor for an engine that mostly sits. Does not apply to the Ocean.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Brake Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

2012 Karma: every 50,000 miles or 5 years per the owner's handbook. Ocean: no official figure; every 2 to 3 years is standard EV practice.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Annual Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

An annual multi-point inspection is the backbone for both cars, at a Karma-lineage dealer for the sedan and an EV-capable independent for the Ocean. Documented care matters double on orphan brands.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free with any paid service. A flashlight and 10 minutes covers the basics yourself.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Both are heavy cars that wear tires quickly; rotate around 7,500 miles where fitment allows.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Annually. Regenerative braking leaves friction brakes underused, so the risk is seized calipers and surface rust, not wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

12V Battery

Every 10,000 mi

Test annually and replace proactively around 4 years. On the Ocean especially, 12V failures are the documented cause of bricked-car incidents; this is the cheapest insurance on the car.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

About every 2 years, inspected annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Loops

Every 150,000 mi

2012 Karma: every 150,000 miles or 5 years per the handbook, across its loops. Ocean: battery-loop health check every few years per independent EV guidance; no official figure exists.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Spark Plugs (Karma)

Every 100,000 mi

The successor Karma bulletin lists 100,000 miles for the shared drivetrain; engine hours mean most cars never get there. Does not apply to the Ocean.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2023 Fisker Ocean reflects Fisker's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.