Rich Benoit, a well known automotive enthusiast and the owner of the YouTube channel Rich Rebuilds, recently made a seemingly savvy purchase: a 2023 Fisker Ocean for just $10,000 from a Toyota dealership. Despite the low price, the electric crossover has proven to be a major headache due to a myriad of technical issues.
From the outset, Benoit encountered problems with the car’s charging system. The charge port sensor malfunctioned, preventing the vehicle from charging. While he was able to resolve this issue with a simple $100 repair, it was just the beginning of his troubles.
The car’s reliability has been consistently questionable. The rear hatch has a tendency to malfunction, refusing to open even when the button is pressed. Benoit has found that restarting the car can sometimes rectify this issue, but it’s a frustrating workaround. The door handles have also exhibited signs of wear and tear, with parts beginning to disintegrate.
Perhaps most concerning is the car’s performance. The regenerative braking system can be unpredictable, leading to abrupt stops and potential accidents. The coolant pump has failed on multiple occasions, causing the car to go into limp mode. Additionally, the torque steer has resulted in uneven tire wear, causing the vehicle to pull to one side.
Benoit believes that many of these issues can be addressed through a software update. The 2023 Fisker Ocean is currently running on version 1.0, and Benoit hopes that an upcoming 2.0 update will resolve these problems. However, even with the promise of a software fix, the ongoing issues have raised serious concerns about the long term reliability of the Fisker Ocean.
To add insult to injury, Benoit has discovered yet another quirk with the car: the turn signals stop working when the vehicle is washed. The problem is temporary, and the turn signals resume functioning once the car dries off. In a humorous attempt to deflect blame, Benoit has mounted BMW badges on the front, rear, and wheel hubs of the car.
However, the process was fraught with challenges, as Fisker’s bankruptcy had left owners without much support. The update, which promised to resolve the electronic issues, came at a hefty price and carried significant risks. Despite the potential drawbacks, many owners were willing to take the gamble, hoping for a resolution to their frustrations.
The update process was a complex and arduous one. Owners had to find a service center that was equipped to handle the update, and even then, there was no guarantee of success. The update could potentially introduce new problems or even render the car immobile. Despite these risks, many owners felt that the potential benefits outweighed the drawbacks.
They were desperate to resolve the electronic issues that had been causing them so much trouble, and they were willing to take a chance on the update. The update process was not only time-consuming but also expensive. Owners had to pay a significant fee for the update itself, as well as for any additional services that might be required.
For many, the cost was a major deterrent, but they felt that it was necessary to invest in their vehicles to ensure their safety and reliability. In the end, the update process was a mixed bag for many Fisker Ocean owners.
Some were able to successfully resolve their electronic issues, while others were left with even more problems. The experience highlighted the challenges of owning a car that is heavily reliant on advanced technology, especially when the manufacturer is no longer in business.
