Quick Summary: The Fisker Ocean Software Status
- Primary Issues: Owners report frequent 12V battery drain, infotainment system "blackouts," unresponsive keyfobs, and critical "Safe Mode" incidents leading to power loss.
- Key Fixes: Most common workarounds involve monthly keyfob battery replacements, performing a "Deep Sleep" cycle to reset sensors, and utilizing the NFC reader on the door handle for entry.
- Update Status: While Version 2.0 resolved many issues, Fiskerâs 2024 bankruptcy has halted official OTA (Over-the-Air) progress, leaving the community to rely on the Fisker Owners Association for future software stability.
- Safety Record: Over 11,000 units were recalled in 2024 due to software-related power loss; several NHTSA investigations into braking and door malfunctions remain open.
The Fisker Ocean was promised as a "Tesla-killer"âa sustainable, high-design SUV that combined California cool with Magna Steyrâs Austrian engineering. However, for the early adopters who took delivery in 2023 and 2024, the reality has been defined less by the car's 360-mile range and more by its mercurial software. As Fisker Inc. navigated a turbulent Chapter 11 bankruptcy in mid-2024, the vehicle's software suite became a legacy of "what ifs." For current owners, the car is no longer just a mode of transport; it is a technical project requiring constant management.
The stakes could not be higher. With used prices for the Ocean Extreme trim plummeting from an original $69,000 to as low as $20,000 in some markets, owners are faced with a stark choice: master the softwareâs quirks or watch a beautiful machine become an expensive driveway ornament. This guide synthesizes owner reports, recall data, and community-driven workarounds to provide a definitive reliability roadmap for the Fisker Ocean.
Common Fisker Ocean Software Bugs: What Owners Encounter
The Fisker Ocean's software issues are rarely subtle. While most modern EVs face occasional infotainment lag, the Oceanâs glitches often affect core drivability. The most documented issue involves the vehicle's 12V battery system. Unlike the high-voltage traction battery that moves the wheels, the 12V battery powers the computers. In the Ocean, the software often fails to "sleep" properly, leading to a parasitic drain that can leave the car bricked overnight.
Beyond the battery, owners frequently report the "Black Screen of Death," where the central 17.1-inch Revolve screen fails to boot, leaving the driver without climate controls, navigation, or vehicle settings. Internal documents leaked during the company's liquidation process revealed over 100 separate "loss-of-power" incidents reported by customers, many of which were attributed to the software incorrectly sensing a fault and triggering a "Safe Mode" or "Limp Mode" while the vehicle was in motion.
Connectivity also remains a pain point. The keyfob, a pebble-shaped device intended to be minimalist, is notoriously unresponsive. Drivers often find themselves standing beside the car for 15 to 30 seconds, repeatedly pressing the unlock button while the carâs Bluetooth handshake fails to initiate.
Software 2.0 Update: Improvements and New Complications
In early 2024, Fisker released the Version 2.0 software update. For many, this was a transformative moment that moved the car from "Beta" to "Functional." It introduced much-needed features and refined the power management systems. However, the update was a double-edged sword, fixing legacy bugs while introducing new, hyper-sensitive safety triggers.
| Feature / Fix | Software 1.0 Experience | Software 2.0 Improvements |
|---|---|---|
| Keyfob Response | Significant lag; often required multiple clicks. | Dramatically faster; "One-press" unlock enabled. |
| Energy Management | High "Vampire Drain" when parked. | Improved sleep cycles; Solar Roof tracking added. |
| Driving Dynamics | No Hill Hold; car rolled back on inclines. | Hill Hold (AVH) added; improved torque split. |
| Stability | Frequent ADAS sensor warnings. | Reduced false positives, but new seat-sensor bugs. |
| Infotainment | Frequent crashes; slow GPS lock. | Smoother UI; "Alaska" navigation bug mostly patched. |
One of the most frustrating "side effects" of the 2.0 update involves the driver's seat sensor. The software became so sensitive to weight distribution that some owners found their cars shifting into "Park" automatically if they shifted their weight or lifted off the seat slightly while reversing or parking. Despite these improvements, the Ocean still lacks basic features found in competitors, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and robust voice commands, which were slated for future updates that may never officially arrive.
Essential Workarounds: Fixing the Fisker Ocean at Home
In the absence of a robust dealer network or consistent corporate support, the Fisker community has developed a "survivalist" approach to maintenance. If you own an Ocean, these workarounds are not optionalâthey are part of the ownership experience.
1. The "Deep Sleep" Reset When the infotainment system becomes unresponsive or the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) sensors begin throwing phantom errors, a standard "reboot" often isn't enough. Owners recommend the Deep Sleep cycle:
- Exit the vehicle and lock it.
- Move all keyfobs at least 30 feet away from the car to break the Bluetooth connection.
- Wait for at least 20 minutes. This allows the vehicleâs ECUs (Electronic Control Units) to fully power down and clear temporary cache errors.
2. The Keyfob Battery Protocol The Oceanâs keyfob is incredibly power-hungry because it constantly "pings" for the car.
- Pro Tip: Replace the CR2032 battery every 4â6 weeks, regardless of use. Many owners keep a pack of batteries in the glovebox.
- The NFC Backup: If the keyfob buttons fail, hold the fob against the driverâs door handle at a specific 45-degree angle. This uses the NFC (Near Field Communication) chip, which does not require battery power to unlock the door.
3. 12V Battery Maintenance To prevent the "bricking" issue, some owners have resorted to installing a 12V battery monitor (like a Battery Tender) or even a physical disconnect switch. However, a more common fix for minor glitches is the "Two-Button Salute": hold the two outer buttons on the steering wheel for 15 seconds to force a reset of the infotainment processor.
Warning: Do not attempt to jump-start the 12V battery like a traditional internal combustion vehicle. The Oceanâs electronics are highly sensitive to voltage spikes. Always refer to the community-verified procedures on the Fisker Owners Association forums before attaching external power.
Official Recalls and Safety Investigations
The software issues in the Fisker Ocean aren't just inconveniences; they have caught the attention of federal regulators. In 2024, Fisker issued a massive recall for 11,201 Ocean SUVs across North America and Europe. The recall addressed a software glitch that caused the high-voltage battery management system to incorrectly detect a fault, causing the vehicle to enter "Safe Mode" and lose motive power.
Further investigations by the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) have focused on:
- Braking Performance: Owners reported a "loss of braking" over bumps. Fisker released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB10062408) to update the brake software, aiming to smooth the transition between regenerative and hydraulic braking.
- Instrument Cluster Failures: A recall of 6,684 units was initiated because the instrument cluster could fail to show critical safety information like speed and warning lights.
- Door Latches: Investigations into reports of doors failing to open from the inside or outside, which may be tied to the electronic locking software.
These recalls represent the "official" fixes, but with the company in liquidation, the execution of these repairs has been transitioned to third-party providers and the newly formed owners' collectives.
The 'Open Source' Afterlife: The Fisker Owners Association
As Fisker Inc. dismantled its operations, the Fisker Owners Association (FOA) emerged as the vehicle's "shadow" manufacturer. This group has moved aggressively to secure the future of the Oceanâs software.
The FOA has successfully negotiated for access to the proprietary "FAST" (Fisker Aftersales Service Tool) software, allowing independent mechanics to diagnose and clear codes. Furthermore, community developers are working on "Tsunami"âa project aimed at replacing the now-defunct official Fisker mobile app.
There is even a burgeoning movement to "jailbreak" the infotainment system to finally allow for Apple CarPlay and Android Autoâfeatures that were promised by Henrik Fisker for years but never delivered. For the current owner, the FOA is the most valuable resource for long-term reliability.
Pre-Purchase Health Check (For Used Buyers)
- [ ] Verify Software Version: Ensure the car is on at least v2.0 (or v2.1 if available).
- [ ] Check 12V Health: Ask for a 12V battery load test. If itâs the original battery, plan to replace it with a high-quality AGM unit.
- [ ] Check Recalls: Run the VIN through the NHTSA database to ensure the "Safe Mode" and braking updates were performed.
- [ ] Test the Vents: The motorized "Limo Mode" vents are a common point of mechanical/software failure.
- [ ] Keyfob Condition: Ensure at least two fobs are present; replacements are currently difficult to source.
FAQ: Maintaining a Discontinued EV
Q: Can I still get Over-the-Air (OTA) updates? A: As of late 2024, official OTA updates from Fiskerâs servers are sporadic and unreliable. Most "updates" are now performed manually by technicians using the FAST tool. The FOA is working to establish a new server infrastructure to push community-verified software.
Q: What happens if my screen goes black while driving? A: The vehicle's critical driving functions (steering, braking, accelerator) are on a separate circuit from the infotainment screen. While losing the screen is jarring and means you cannot see your speed on the main display, the small driver-info display behind the steering wheel usually remains functional. Pull over safely and perform a "Two-Button" reset.
Q: Is the Fisker Ocean still a "safe" car? A: Structurally and mechanically, the Ocean is built by Magna Steyr, one of the worldâs most respected automotive manufacturers. It earned a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. However, the "software safety" is what requires vigilance. As long as the critical recalls (braking and power loss) are addressed, the car remains a robust piece of hardware.
The Verdict: A Critic's Final Word
The Fisker Ocean is a masterclass in the dangers of the "Software-Defined Vehicle" era. It is a car with world-class hardwareâexcellent suspension tuning, a punchy powertrain, and a striking silhouetteâhampered by an unfinished digital soul.
For the general consumer, the Ocean is currently too high-maintenance to recommend. However, for the tech-savvy enthusiast or the buyer looking for a $20,000 bargain, the Ocean offers a unique proposition. By leveraging community workarounds and staying active in owner forums, it is possible to mitigate the Oceanâs digital flaws. You aren't just buying a car; you're joining a tech-support collective. If you can handle a monthly keyfob battery swap and the occasional 20-minute "Deep Sleep," the Fisker Ocean remains one of the most interesting, albeit flawed, EVs on the road today.
