NHTSA Complaint #11646630 — 2023 FISKER OCEAN

Description of Incident(s) On March 5, 2025, I discovered that my 2023 Fisker Ocean had undergone an unauthorized over-the-air (OTA) software update to version 2.2.2 without my knowledge or consent. I received no prior notification from Fisker or American Leasing, the current entity managing Fisker vehicles following the company’s bankruptcy in 2024. Additionally, I have no access to the vehicle’s cloud system or update logs to understand what changes were implemented, leaving me unable to assess the scope or purpose of the update. Following this update, I experienced two significant safety-related issues with my vehicle, detailed below. Driver’s Door Handle Overheating After the 2.2.2 update, the driver’s side door handle began exhibiting extreme overheating, reaching temperatures exceeding 130°F as measured with a non-contact infrared thermometer. This poses a serious burn hazard and makes the handle unsafe to touch for entry or exit. The issue appears to be electrical in nature, potentially related to a malfunction in the door handle actuator or power management system altered by the software update. The handle remains excessively hot even when the vehicle is powered off, suggesting a persistent fault. This defect compromises safe access to the vehicle and presents a risk of injury. Rearview Mirror Fan Constantly Running Since the update, the fan associated with the vehicle’s digital rearview mirror now runs continuously, regardless of whether the mirror is in use or the vehicle’s thermal conditions warrant cooling. This creates unnecessary noise, potential wear on the fan component, and a possible drain on the vehicle’s battery. While the digital mirror functionality remains operational, the constant fan operation suggests a software glitch affecting thermal regulation or sensor feedback loops, likely introduced by the 2.2.2 update. This issue, while not immediately hazardous, indicates broader concerns with the stability of the vehicle’s software systems post-