The Fisker Ocean landed with head‑turning styling, big range numbers, and a mission to be one of the most sustainable electric SUVs on the market. But after a rocky launch, software headaches, and Fisker’s 2024 bankruptcy, the Ocean has gone from buzzy new EV to one of the most controversial used cars you can buy. If you’re eyeing a bargain‑priced Fisker Ocean in 2025, you need to understand exactly what you’re getting into.
Quick context
Fisker Inc. filed for U.S. bankruptcy protection in June 2024 after pausing Ocean production and struggling to sell inventory. The Ocean is no longer being built, but thousands are on the road and popping up on used‑car lots at steep discounts.
Fisker Ocean at a glance
Fisker Ocean key numbers
- All‑electric compact SUV about the size of a Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Three main trims: Sport (single‑motor FWD), Ultra and Extreme/One (dual‑motor AWD)
- Headline range up to roughly 360 miles EPA on higher‑end trims
- DC fast charging with CCS port; 7.4 kW onboard AC charger
- Distinctive design, available solar roof, and a party‑trick rotating touchscreen on some trims
- Launched 2023; company bankrupt by mid‑2024, leaving owners with limited official support
Fisker bankruptcy: what it means for Ocean owners
Before you dive into specs, you need to understand where the company stands. Fisker paused production of the Ocean in March 2024 as cash ran low and deal talks with a large automaker collapsed. A few months later, the company entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy, seeking to sell its assets and wind down operations. By 2025, Fisker as a going concern is effectively gone, even though thousands of Oceans are still on the road.
No traditional factory backing
With Fisker in bankruptcy, you should not expect normal new‑car support: no traditional factory warranty backing, no ongoing over‑the‑air feature rollout, and no guarantee of long‑term parts or software support from the original company.
What this means for used buyers
- Warranty coverage is uncertain and depends on how the bankruptcy court treats future claims.
- Any remaining service partners or pop‑up locations may be temporary.
- Resale values are volatile; some fleets have liquidated Oceans at fire‑sale prices.
- Software fixes may depend on third‑party tools and owner communities, not Fisker.
The flip side
- Because of the collapse, the Ocean can be far cheaper than rival EV SUVs.
- If you understand the risks and get a thoroughly inspected car, it can be a lot of range and performance for the money.
- Owner associations are emerging to keep these vehicles on the road with independent software and parts solutions.
How Recharged can help
If you’re considering a high‑risk used EV like the Fisker Ocean, buying from a marketplace that specializes in EVs matters. Every vehicle on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that verifies battery health, prices it against the market, and connects you with EV‑specialist advisors so you understand the risks before you sign.
Fisker Ocean trims, range, and performance
On paper, the Fisker Ocean is a strong value: big range numbers, serious acceleration on dual‑motor versions, and a feature list that punches above its original price. Here’s how the main trims break down based on published specs.
Fisker Ocean trim comparison (U.S. models)
Key specs for the major Fisker Ocean trims. Exact equipment can vary by build date and market.
| Trim | Drivetrain | EPA Range (est.) | Power (peak) | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Battery chemistry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | Single‑motor FWD | ~230 mi | N/A (single‑motor) | ~7.4 s | LFP (lithium iron phosphate) |
| Ultra | Dual‑motor AWD | ~350 mi | ~544 hp | ~4.2 s | NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) |
| Extreme / One | Dual‑motor AWD | ~360 mi | ~564 hp | ~3.9 s (with Boost) | NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) |
Always confirm the exact configuration and software version of any used Ocean you’re considering.
How the Ocean stacks up
Range on top Ocean trims is competitive with or better than many compact EV SUVs from mainstream brands. Performance on the dual‑motor versions is legitimately quick, especially in Boost mode. The problem isn’t the spec sheet, it’s execution, quality, and long‑term support.
Real‑world Fisker Ocean issues owners reported
The Ocean’s launch was marred by issues that went beyond typical first‑model‑year bugs. Owners, reviewers, and regulators documented a range of problems, many of them software‑driven but with real safety and usability consequences.
Common Fisker Ocean complaints
Not every car has every problem, but these themes show up again and again in owner reports.
Glitchy infotainment & UX
Laggy screens, frozen displays, and features that didn’t work as advertised, especially in early software builds. Some owners reported losing key functions mid‑drive until a reboot.
Loss of power & braking feel
Reports surfaced of sudden loss of propulsion, inconsistent brake feel, and alarms or warnings appearing without clear explanation.
Key fob & door issues
Faulty key fobs and door handles sometimes left drivers locked in or out of the vehicle, or with doors that wouldn’t unlatch properly.
More issue patterns to watch for
These may be software‑fixable in some cases, but you shouldn’t assume they are.
Unexpected emergency braking
Owners reported the Automatic Emergency Braking system triggering with no obstacle, causing abrupt stops that raised crash risk.
Rollaway concerns
Some Oceans were investigated for difficulty shifting into park and unintended movement, prompting software changes to add an auto‑hold function.
Build quality oddities
Misaligned panels, odd noises, and trim issues aren’t uncommon in early‑stage startups. The Ocean was no exception.
Why this matters more on a bankrupt brand
Most new cars have teething issues. The difference is that viable automakers usually fix them with recalls, dealer campaigns, and over‑the‑air updates for years. With Fisker gone, you can’t count on an official fix ever arriving for the Ocean you buy.
Safety probes, recalls, and support risk
U.S. safety regulators opened multiple investigations into the Fisker Ocean for issues including braking performance, rollaway incidents, and unintended automatic emergency braking. Some problems led to software updates and recalls while Fisker was still operating; others remain in a gray zone now that the company is in bankruptcy.
- Multiple federal safety probes into braking, rollaway, and automatic emergency braking behavior
- At least one software update designed to add automatic park/hold functions and mitigate rollaway risk
- Ongoing concerns about unintended AEB activation, with regulators noting they lack further cooperation from Fisker after the bankruptcy
- No nationwide dealer network to coordinate long‑term recall repairs, even when campaigns exist on paper
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Do your VIN homework
Before you buy any Fisker Ocean, run the VIN through official recall tools and ask the seller for documentation of all software updates and recall work. If they can’t prove it, assume you’ll be paying an independent shop, or living with known defects.
What it’s like to live with a Fisker Ocean
On good days, the Fisker Ocean delivers what many EV shoppers want: strong range, punchy acceleration, a glassy interior with a big central screen, and unique touches like the available solar roof and "California Mode" windows‑down party trick. On bad days, owners have described it as a beta‑test vehicle they paid full price for.
Ownership positives
- Range and efficiency are competitive, especially on the Ultra and Extreme.
- Dual‑motor models feel seriously quick in real‑world driving.
- Cabin design is airy and modern, with sustainable materials and unique details.
- When software behaves, the tech experience feels futuristic and distinctive.
Ownership headaches
- Inconsistent software quality can turn basics, locking, driving, charging, into question marks.
- Limited official service options, especially outside major coastal metros.
- Uncertain parts availability over the long haul.
- Resale values likely to remain depressed given brand collapse and media coverage.
“The vehicle we bought still isn’t ready for prime time, and with the automaker’s future uncertain, we can’t recommend buying a new Fisker Ocean.”
Battery, charging, and long‑term health
Underneath the drama, the Fisker Ocean is still an EV with a modern battery and charging system. That’s good news if you’re evaluating one as a used car, because there are tools to verify pack health, especially if you buy from an EV‑focused marketplace.
- Higher‑end Ultra and Extreme/One trims use NMC batteries (nickel manganese cobalt), balancing energy density and performance.
- The base Sport uses an LFP pack (lithium iron phosphate), which can be more tolerant of regular 100% charges but offers less range.
- Fisker advertised up to 175 kW DC fast‑charging, enough for competitive road‑trip charging when plugs and software cooperate.
- Onboard AC charging is rated at 7.4 kW, meaning a typical Level 2 home charger will refill the pack overnight.
Why a battery health report matters more here
Because Fisker’s future is uncertain, you can’t assume generous goodwill repairs on a weak pack or flaky charging system. A third‑party battery diagnostic, like the Recharged Score battery health test, gives you a clear picture of pack condition before you buy.
Should you buy a used Fisker Ocean in 2025?
With new‑car prices dropping and fleets liquidating inventory, you might find a Fisker Ocean for less than many mainstream EVs. That doesn’t automatically make it a smart buy. Think of the Ocean as a high‑risk, high‑reward used EV: potentially great range and performance for the money, but with serious support and safety question marks that traditional brands simply don’t have.
Who (maybe) should consider a Fisker Ocean
And who probably shouldn’t, no matter how tempting the price.
A good candidate
- You’re an experienced EV owner who understands charging, software quirks, and repair trade‑offs.
- You have access to another vehicle if the Ocean is down for repairs.
- You value range and performance more than worry‑free ownership.
- You’re comfortable that the discount justifies potentially low resale value.
Probably not a fit
- This will be your only family vehicle and daily kid hauler.
- You expect a dealer or manufacturer to handle every issue quickly.
- You’re risk‑averse about recalls, software bugs, or limited parts.
- Paying a bit more for a Hyundai, Tesla, Ford, or VW would help you sleep better.
A safer alternative path
If you like the idea of a practical electric SUV more than the idea of gambling on a startup, you may be better off in a used Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y, or VW ID.4. Recharged carries many of these with verified battery health and nationwide delivery.
Used Fisker Ocean inspection checklist
Essential checks before you buy a Fisker Ocean
1. Confirm software version and update history
Ask for documentation showing which software version the car is on and when it was last updated. Verify that rollaway and braking‑related updates have been applied, if available.
2. Test every basic function repeatedly
Don’t just start it once. Over a long test drive, lock and unlock doors multiple times, test every window, drive in reverse and forward, and confirm all driver‑assist features behave predictably.
3. Inspect for warning lights and error messages
Any persistent warnings about the battery, drive system, or brakes are red flags, especially since factory support is limited. Walk away from a car with unresolved safety‑related alerts.
4. Check charging behavior on Level 2 and DC fast
If possible, plug into both a home‑style Level 2 charger and a public DC fast charger. Confirm the car initiates charging reliably, reaches reasonable speeds, and doesn’t throw errors.
5. Get a professional EV inspection and battery test
Have an EV‑savvy technician or marketplace run a high‑voltage system check and <strong>battery health diagnostic</strong>. On Recharged, this is built into the Recharged Score Report.
6. Verify title, recalls, and accident history
Pull a title and history report, confirm recall status by VIN, and be wary of cars with salvage titles or multiple prior owners in a short period, they may be problem vehicles being passed along.
Fisker Ocean FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the Fisker Ocean
Bottom line: Who the Fisker Ocean fits (and who should walk away)
The Fisker Ocean is one of the strangest stories in the modern EV market: a stylish, long‑range electric SUV from a startup that burned bright and then collapsed in record time. As a used vehicle, it’s not for the average shopper. If you’re a hands‑on, EV‑savvy owner with backup transportation and a high tolerance for risk, a carefully vetted Ocean at the right price can be a compelling, if quirky, choice.
If, on the other hand, you want a straightforward family EV with predictable support, there are better bets. A used Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, or VW ID.4 will cost more upfront but deliver far less drama over the next five to ten years. Whatever you choose, lean on tools like Recharged’s Score Report, trade‑in options, and EV‑specialist support to make sure the numbers, and the risks, truly add up for you.
