Federal Regulators Probe Fatal Crash of VinFast EV with Suspected Steering Issues [Los Angeles, CA]

LOS ANGELES, CA (May 22, 2024) — Federal regulators are investigating a fatal crash in California involving a VinFast electric SUV that killed four occupants. 

The VinFast VF8, manufactured by the Vietnamese automaker, veered off the road, hitting a pole and a tree before catching fire, according to a complaint on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

The vehicle, driven by a coworker of the owner, included two children in the back seat. The owner had previously reported issues with the SUV’s automated steering, although it’s unclear if these issues contributed to the VinFast EV fatal crash. The complaint noted instances where the vehicle unexpectedly steered to the right while the automated driving assistance features were engaged.

NHTSA’s Special Crash Investigations unit will document the crash circumstances and the ensuing fire. VinFast is cooperating with NHTSA and the Pleasanton police, who are also investigating the cause of the accident, which may involve speed as a contributing factor.