(Reuters) – Electric vehicle maker Fisker is recalling 8,204 Ocean vehicles in the United States due to a problem in which exterior door handles may become stuck and won’t open, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Friday.
This is Fisker’s third recall this month, and the auto safety regulator has four open investigations into multiple issues related to the Ocean SUV, which was intended to compete with Tesla’s (NASDAQ:) best-selling Model Y crossover.
Earlier this month, Fisker, once a successful electric vehicle startup, filed for bankruptcy protection after spending money in an attempt to ramp up production and deliver its Ocean SUVs.
“A door that does not open can prevent occupants from exiting in an emergency, increasing the risk of injury,” the regulator said, adding that the company will replace faulty door handles free of charge.
Fisker, in a notice, asked its dealers in the United States, Canada and Europe to stop selling existing Ocean vehicles and have them checked for the problem.
Customers have complained widely on social media about problems with the key fob sometimes not unlocking the car or opening the door.
Earlier this month, Fisker recalled more than 18,000 vehicles in North America and Europe due to faulty software and failure to meet safety standards.
Fisker is the second automaker from famed car designer Henrik Fisker to file for bankruptcy protection. The first company, Fisker Automotive (OTC:), filed for bankruptcy in 2013 after battery failure in its Karma plug-in hybrid electric vehicle led to a recall and significant associated costs.