Experiencing issues with a new vehicle is always frustrating, but when those problems start right from the basics like accessing and operating the car, it raises serious concerns. Our time with the Ocean Fisker has been marred by a series of disappointments, beginning with the fundamental aspect of vehicle entry – the key fob.
One of the most persistent issues we encountered with the Ocean Fisker revolves around its key fob. In just four months of ownership, we’ve had to replace the key fob battery multiple times. This recurring problem persisted despite a software update in March 2024 that was specifically promised to improve key fob performance. Even after the update, locking and unlocking the Ocean remains unreliable. Further compounding the inconvenience, the vehicle frequently fails to detect the key upon entry. To start the Ocean Fisker, it’s often necessary to hold the key fob directly next to the steering column. Adding to the initial shortcomings, Fisker only provided a single key fob with the vehicle at purchase. The promised valet cards or a second key fob never materialized, leaving owners with a single point of failure for vehicle access.
Beyond access issues, the driving experience of the Ocean Fisker also presents notable drawbacks. While the vehicle boasts quick acceleration, the software-controlled regenerative braking system in its current iteration is far from refined. In the ‘high’ regenerative braking setting, the transition between regeneration and acceleration feels abrupt and jarring. Unlike many other electric vehicles that prioritize a smooth and modulated pedal feel, the Ocean Fisker exhibits a noticeable ‘switch-like’ behavior, lacking a comfortable midpoint and detracting from the overall driving enjoyment.
The infotainment system of the Ocean Fisker has been another source of consistent frustration since day one. The system is plagued by slow boot-up times and an overall sluggish performance. The integrated TomTom navigation system further disappoints with its low-quality maps and outdated destination information. Even simple functions like adjusting the air vents become cumbersome, as they are controlled exclusively through the touchscreen interface, making it difficult to direct airflow effectively. Moreover, several features that were advertised and listed on the Ocean Fisker’s specifications sheet, such as adaptive cruise control and voice commands, were never implemented, leaving a gap between promised capabilities and actual functionality.
