The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has closed its preliminary investigation into Fisker's all-electric Ocean SUV, which was launched in February following complaints that the vehicles were rolling away unexpectedly. The investigation was prompted by four complaints, one of which resulted in an injury, regarding the failure of the vehicles to shift into park.

The closure of the investigation comes after Fisker, which has since filed for bankruptcy, issued a recall of 7,745 of its all-electric SUVs and resolved the problem via a software update. According to the NHTSA, the software upgrade "provides additional robustness to prevent unintended vehicle movement via two major changes."

The software update, released last month, addresses the issue of the vehicles rolling away unexpectedly, which posed a significant safety risk to drivers and passengers. The NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation had been investigating the matter since February, and the closure of the investigation marks a significant milestone in ensuring the safety of Fisker's electric vehicles.

However, the NHTSA still has one remaining probe open, focused on complaints that Fisker vehicles have problems with inadvertent emergency braking. In 2024, federal regulators opened four investigations into Fisker vehicles, which included complaints of sudden loss of braking performance, multiple claims of inadvertent automatic emergency braking, rollaway risks, and problems opening doors to the vehicle.

The ongoing investigation into inadvertent emergency braking highlights the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in the development of autonomous and electric vehicles. As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification and automation, regulators and manufacturers must prioritize safety and address any issues promptly to prevent accidents and injuries.

Fisker's recall and software update demonstrate the company's commitment to addressing safety concerns and ensuring the reliability of its vehicles. The closure of the NHTSA's investigation is a positive step forward, but the remaining probe serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done to ensure the safety of electric and autonomous vehicles on the road.

As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, manufacturers and regulators must work together to establish robust safety standards and protocols to prevent accidents and ensure public trust in these emerging technologies. The NHTSA's investigation and Fisker's recall serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in the development and deployment of electric and autonomous vehicles.