The contact rented a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact stated that while driving 48 MPH, the vehicle lost power without warning. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle and the gear shifter detached from the steering column. When the contact was able to manually hold the shifter in place to restart the vehicle and pulled off to the shoulder of the road. The contact also reported that the vehicle would roll backward while in drive(D). The vehicle was towed back to the rental company for repair. The contact informed the independent mechanic that the gear shifter appeared to have been attached to the steering column with glue; the mechanic then confirmed that the gear shifter was previously repaired with glue. The contact was informed that a secondary repair was made; however, the contact refused to take possession of the vehicle due to safety concerns. The contact also stated that the manufacturer was no longer in business. The failure mileage was approximately 32,705.
2023 Fisker Ocean transmission problems
91 complaints (10% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 2,700. 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 91
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical mileage
- 2,700
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Specific symptoms reported on the 2023 Fisker Ocean transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Unintended vehicle movement
On February 14, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE24005 to investigate reports of unintended vehicle movement in model year (MY) 2023 Fisker Ocean vehicles manufactured by Fisker Group Inc. The complaints allege the inability to shift into the park gear and/or vehicle rollaway. The investigation found that the subject vehicles contain a logic that prevents the engagement of the park gear when the park gear request is made while the vehicle is still moving at low speeds. In the event the driver requests the park gear prior to the vehicle achieving a complete standstill status, the vehicle rejects the park gear request, displays a visual warning, and shifts into the neutral gear. Therefore, if the driver does not properly restrain the vehicle prior to exiting (i.e., allow the vehicle to come to a complete stop, then provide a second park gear request and/or engage the parking brake), the vehicle is at risk of freely rolling away in neutral. ODI found that existing strategies to deter drivers from exiting the vehicle after failing to ensure the transmission successfully engages the park gear have not stopped some from doing so. The absence of additional mechanisms to mitigate the effects of driver behavior in failing to ensure the park gear was engaged prior to exiting the vehicle constitutes a defect presenting a risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI is aware of one reported injury due to this safety defect. On November 15, 2024, Fisker filed recall 24V‑865 for all MY 2023-2024 Fisker Ocean vehicles. The recall remedy is the release of software upgrade OS 2.0. This software update provides additional robustness to prevent unintended vehicle movement via two major changes. First, in the event the driver seatbelt is unlatched when the vehicle is traveling at low speeds, logic was added to initiate an automatic, controlled deceleration to bring the vehicle to a standstill. Once standstill status is achieved, the vehicle will automatically engage the park gear and the electronic parking brake. Second, OS 2.0 introduced an “Auto Vehicle Hold” feature, which holds the vehicle in standstill by maintaining friction brake pressure when the driver removes their foot from the brake pedal. This feature prevents the vehicle from rolling under gravity, which therefore helps engage both the park gear and electronic parking brake. In view of the recall action being taken by Fisker, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE24005
What 2023 Fisker Ocean owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
American Lease and Management (AL) company acquired fleet of Fisker Ocean vehicles with a commitment to push Software Updates Over The Air (OTA) to all the Fisker Ocean Vehicles sold by Fisker. AL pushed the update to software on Fisker vehicles (including mine) very irresponsibly and as a result my vehicle is undrivable (Bricked). AL is very hard to reach, their phone number don't work. For me to get a Technician to the location where my vehicle is bricked and manually update the software to unbrick it, would cost me thousands of dollars. This should not havd happened in the first place, but because of AL negligence and lack of responsibility, there are many cars out there that are in same situation as mine is now.
There was a safety over the air update which happened on Feb 13 2025. After that the vehicle is completely unoperable. After the NHSTA mandated update the car does not shift from Neutral to drivable gear. It's become a brick.
I am writing to report an issue with my vehicle that occurred during an unannounced over-the-air software update. The update bricked the vehicle, locking the steering and wheels and immobilizing the car. The PKC unit failed during the update, and the resulting tow truck and repair costs exceeded $3,000. I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter as soon as possible. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2023 Fisker Ocean. The contact received an unknown recall notification. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful since the company had filed for bankruptcy protection and was no longer in business. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle shuddered violently and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact merged to the left side of the road. A mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with vehicle control unit (VCU) corruption, drive train corruption, and software corruption. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred after driving 200 ft. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that a field technician would be sent to perform the vehicle control unit (VCU), drive train, and software updates. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
American Leasing retains control of the FAST Diagnostic System system software used by the few remaining Fisker Service Technicians. FAST allows technicians to upgrade firmware in various components in the car. Some are related to current recalls on braking, electric motor controls, as well as modules related to ADAS system not completed by Fisker; yet, system which generates numerous "alarms" while driving creating a distracted driving nightmare especially during poor weather conditions. Without this "OEM" service tool, service techs have a difficult time installing updates, resetting components, or diagnosing failed parts. It is one of the few lifelines available for single vehicle owners to continue to operate our Fisker's safely. American Leasing is price gouging non-American Lease service technicians for access to this tool to service the approximate 4,000 vehicles bought in the open market prior to bankruptcy. They know it is our service technicians only complete diagnostic tool and are greedily preventing our folks from access.
The software on the vehicle appears to have been updated without my permission or knowledge. 1) Now my doors will no longer lock or unlock from the interior control panel ... which means that the vehicle cannot drive as I am unable to let people into the vehicle due to how the door/door handles function. The door handles used to protrude out of the door when the vehicle was unlocked. Since the interior control panel on the driver's door no longer functions and the doors automatically lock when driving, I am unable to unlock the doors to let people in while driving. 2) I am not longer able to roll down, or up, any windows from the driver's control panel. All windows are permanently closed and cannot be opened or closed from the driver's door control panel.
the car goes into neutral while driving. (Loss of POWER) Happened over 10 times. I need to pull over , come to a complete stop and start the car again. It has happened on the highway and on regular roads. Had the water pump replaced twice and a new 12 v battery installed. The problem has gotten better since but still happens. the first indication is the red batterie light turns on and then car goes in neutral.
To Whom It May Concern, I am filing an urgent safety complaint regarding my Fisker Ocean One Launch Edition SUV, which continues to experience braking failures despite the latest software recall update (2.2.2). Fisker has now ceased operations, leaving me and other owners without any ability to have our vehicles tested or repaired. Braking Issue Persists: Despite Fisker’s claim that update 2.2.2 resolves the braking problem, my vehicle continues to exhibit severe braking failures, indicating the issue may be hardware-related. No Service Options Available: Fisker’s shutdown means there is no way to have the vehicle inspected or repaired, posing a significant safety risk to both drivers and pedestrians. Request for Investigation: I urge the federal safety agency to reopen or expand the recall and investigate whether Fisker vehicles pose an ongoing safety hazard that should trigger additional consumer protections. This is a critical issue that has now occurred on multiple occasions that requires immediate attention, as these vehicles remain on the road without proper testing or repair availability. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Questions about the 2023 Fisker Ocean transmission
Does the 2023 Fisker Ocean have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 91 complaints about the transmission of the 2023 Fisker Ocean, 10% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2023 Fisker Ocean transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 2,700 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2023 Fisker Ocean transmission?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
Other 2023 Fisker Ocean problems
Electrical 380Brakes 322Driver assistance 282Body 60Engine 57Acceleration 52Lights 48Fuel system 40Visibility 17Seats 16Seat belts 12Steering 8Locks 6Wheels 5Airbags 4Suspension 4
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