US Investigates VinFast VF 8’s Lane Assist After Failures And Crash Claims

VinFast Faces Investigation Over Lane Keep Assist System

VinFast, the Vietnamese car manufacturer, is currently under investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) regarding issues with the Lane Keep Assist system in its VF 8 model. The investigation was initiated after receiving 14 reports from VF 8 owners in the United States, who claim that the system can activate in error and does not function properly. These reports suggest that the system has difficulty detecting lanes, provides improper steering inputs, and can be challenging for the driver to override.

Potential Safety Concerns

The ODI has highlighted that the improper steering inputs caused by the Lane Keep Assist system could potentially increase the risk of crashes or injuries. While one owner claims that the system caused a crash, the ODI currently lacks evidence to support this claim. As a result, a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the scope, frequency, and severity of the potential problem.

Possible Recall and Safety Improvements

The investigation covers an estimated 3,118 VinFast VF 8s sold in the U.S. If a safety-related defect is confirmed, VinFast may be required to issue a recall and make necessary improvements to the Lane Keep Assist system. This investigation comes at a challenging time for VinFast, as the company has already faced delays in its U.S. launch and recently reduced prices for the VF 9 model in hopes of boosting sales.

Conclusion

The outcome of the investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation will determine the next steps for VinFast. The company’s reputation and success in the U.S. market may hinge on addressing any potential safety concerns and ensuring the reliability of its Lane Keep Assist system.