Fisker Owners Facing Uncertain Future as Company Battles Bankruptcy

As Fisker Inc. grapples with bankruptcy, owners of the company's electric SUVs are finding it increasingly difficult to get their vehicles serviced and repaired. With the company's future uncertain, customers are left in limbo, struggling to find solutions for their glitchy or problematic cars.

A Cautionary Tale for Early EV Adopters

Unresolved Service Tickets and Lack of Communication

Fisker owners have faced a series of challenges since the company's first vehicles rolled out in late 2023. Many customers paid up to ,000 for their vehicles, only to be met with software glitches and other issues. While some early adopters initially believed the problems would be resolved, the company's worsening prospects have made it increasingly difficult for owners to get the support they need.One Fisker owner in the Cincinnati area had a dozen unresolved service tickets for his model, while another in Colorado couldn't find a local repair shop to fix a crack in his SUV's solar roof. A Texas-based customer was left with a loaner vehicle from the company, unsure of how to return it.

Owners Forced to Trade In or Abandon Their Vehicles

The frustration felt by Fisker owners has led some to take drastic measures. Joseph Murphy, a Fisker Ocean owner, recently opted to trade in his almost-new ,000 vehicle for a mere ,000, citing a dozen unresolved service tickets, constant error messages, and a lack of communication from the company."It's like a bad dream," Murphy said, as he now drives an electric Volvo instead.

Warranty and Repair Challenges

Fisker is legally required to honor warranties on the vehicles it has sold, but several owners have reported that company representatives have become increasingly difficult to reach. The automaker has laid off many of its mobile technicians, leaving owners to fend for themselves.Colorado resident Steve Hammer, who was "giddy" when he first received his Fisker Ocean, now sees it as "the worst financial decision" he ever made. A crack in his vehicle's solar roof has left him unable to find a nearby repair shop, and his attempts to contact the company for help have gone unanswered.

Owners Turning to Social Media for Support

With limited options for official support, Fisker owners have turned to social media for workarounds and fixes to issues such as software bugs, internal passenger lights that won't shut off, unreliable key fobs, and windshield cracks. Some owners with vehicles that are mostly working correctly have started taking screenshots and compiling notes for future repair needs.

The Potential for "Orphan Vehicles"

If Fisker fails, its former customers may find a lifeline in owners clubs. People who bought other "orphan vehicles," like the DeLorean, Oldsmobile, or even the Fisker Karma from Henrik Fisker's previous venture, now rely on these kinds of groups to keep their cars alive.One such group has already formed with the aim of giving Fisker customers continued access to parts and service. It's also looking to support owners, represent their interests, and provide a platform for sharing information.However, the group may face challenges, as most modern manufacturers don't keep large stockpiles of parts, and it's unclear how Fisker's software will hold up over time. The Ocean could potentially become a "niche collectible," much like the Tesla Roadster or the Fisker Karma, and an EV specialty shop could emerge as a result.

The Uncertain Future for Fisker Owners

As Fisker navigates the bankruptcy process, its customers are left in a state of limbo. The company has not set aside funds for vehicle buybacks, and it's unclear if a potential buyer would be able to offer warranties and service to existing owners.The frustration and uncertainty felt by Fisker owners is a cautionary tale for early adopters of electric vehicles. The challenges they face serve as a reminder that the EV market is still evolving, and consumers must weigh the risks and benefits carefully before making a significant investment.