- NHTSA investigates fatal crash involving VinFast VF8 electric SUV that killed a family of four.
- The complaint suggests a potential issue with the vehicle’s lane assist feature.
- VinFast’s U.S. rollout has been troubled by quality issues and a recent recall.
Tragic accident claims lives of family
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a formal investigation into an April crash involving a VinFast VF8 electric SUV that resulted in the deaths of a family of four in Pleasanton, California.
The crash occurred on April 24 when the vehicle seemingly lost control before colliding with an oak tree and bursting into flames.
Following the crash, a complaint was filed with NHTSA by the purported owner of the vehicle, who had loaned the EV to a co-worker, the victims of the accident.
The complaint mentioned at least one instance where the car’s lane assist feature had abruptly jerked the vehicle to the right. The Pleasanton Police Department’s investigation into the crash is ongoing.
VinFast’s troubled U.S. rollout
VinFast, a Vietnamese EV manufacturer, began shipping its VF8 SUV to the U.S. in early 2023. However, the rollout has been marred by poor reviews citing quality issues.
In May 2023, the company issued a recall to address problems with the dashboard screen going blank.
Another complaint filed with NHTSA references an incident where the driver assistance system unexpectedly turned the wheel.
