Filing Claims and Mending Fisker Parts Post-Bankruptcy: Locations to File, DIY Repairs, and Items to Avoid
In the wake of Fisker's Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in June 2024, owners of the electric SUV, the Fisker Ocean, are grappling with uncertainty regarding service, repair, and support. Ed Rios, the former head of parts repairs and service at Fisker Inc., has been a beacon of advice for many owners experiencing safety-related issues, vehicles bricked due to OTA software updates, or currently bricked vehicles.
Rios's advice remains consistent: file a formal complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and, if necessary, submit a complaint to the Department of Justice. For those who financed their vehicles through Chase, he recommends contacting the lender to file a complaint and request assistance.
Despite Rios's efforts, the status of the Fisker Ocean service and repair network post-bankruptcy remains unclear. Fisker, as a young brand, had been actively expanding its service, support, and charging partnerships. Remote diagnostics capability allowed many issues to be troubleshot remotely, reducing the need for service center visits.
However, the bankruptcy has brought significant uncertainty to formal parts availability and repair support. While specific details about training programs and repair equipment availability post-bankruptcy are not explicitly stated, Fisker’s app-driven, flexible approach to ownership and servicing indicates a focus on modern, tech-enabled service delivery.
The availability of repair parts is less clear. Fisker’s bankruptcy and defunct status have created uncertainty around ongoing sales and support. Salvage and repairable Fisker Ocean vehicles are available through secondary markets and auctions, which may imply challenges in official OEM parts supply. The Fisker Owners Association and community forums remain active and can assist in diagnostics and repairs, suggesting some aftermarket support channels remain operational.
Ed Rios oversaw many last-minute service requests during Fisker's bankruptcy process. He has been approved to become a Fisker Service Provider, but the post-bankruptcy service network established by the reorganization company lacks proper training, equipment, and sufficient parts.
Rios notes that some early launch issues have led to certain ECUs and modules being replaced with updated part numbers, making older parts obsolete and incompatible with updated systems. He advises against buying certain parts like keyfobs, PKCs, and ECUs on eBay due to them being permanently tied to the original car and unable to be reprogrammed.
Many Fisker Ocean owners have contacted Rios seeking advice on repairing or servicing their vehicles. For those experiencing vehicles bricked due to OTA software updates, Rios explains that there is little recourse beyond filing complaints with relevant agencies.
As Fisker closes its doors, owners are left wondering about the future of their vehicles. The uncertainty extends beyond the service network, with the impact of bankruptcy casting doubt on sales continuation and formal support. Funding secured in 2025 aims to support new vehicle sales, but the restructuring of service networks remains unclear.
[1] Fisker Ocean Service and Support: A Comprehensive Guide [2] Fisker Secures Funding for Future Vehicle Sales [3] Fisker Owners Association: Community Support for Fisker Owners [4] Secondary Market for Fisker Ocean Vehicles [5] Fisker's Bankruptcy and the Future of the Electric SUV
- In spite of Ed Rios's approval as a Fisker Service Provider, the post-bankruptcy service network fails to provide adequate training, equipment, and parts.
- Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Fisker's bankruptcy, some owners are left with bricked vehicles due to OTA software updates, and filing complaints with relevant agencies may offer limited recourse.
- Secondary markets and auctions are offering salvage and repairable Fisker Ocean vehicles, potentially raising challenges in official OEM parts supply for these vehicles.
