Summary
- Vinfast is recalling 4,888 VF 8 electric SUVs due to faulty airbags
- The center airbag mounted on the driver’s seat may deploy improperly during a side impact
- Vinfast will replace the defective airbags free of charge
- The recall affects model years 2023 to 2025
- Vinfast has redesigned the center airbag to prevent the issue from recurring
Article
Vinfast has issued a recall for 4,888 VF 8 electric SUVs due to faulty airbags that could potentially cause injuries to drivers. The recall covers vehicles from model years 2023 to 2025, with the center airbag mounted in the driver’s seat being the source of concern. The NHTSA discovered that the airbag may deploy improperly during a side impact, striking the driver’s arm and causing harm. Vinfast estimates that all of the recalled vehicles are affected by this defect, which was identified after a safety inquiry prompted by a test conducted by the NHTSA in June.
The issue with the airbag deployment is attributed to the original design of the airbag cushion shape and inflation angle, which allows the airbag to deploy between the driver’s arm and torso under certain circumstances. To address this problem, Vinfast collaborated with the NHTSA to redesign the center airbag with a different shape and deployment angle to prevent such incidents from occurring. Dealers and service centers will replace the center airbag with the new design at no cost to owners who are affected by the recall.
Despite launching its first U.S.-market vehicle, the VF 8, Vinfast has encountered various challenges. Initial tests of the prototype and production versions of the electric SUV indicated that the company had significant development work to do before the vehicle’s launch. A subsequent update that introduced a Sony entertainment system failed to address the core issues identified during testing. The launch of the VF 8 was further marred by Vinfast’s admission of falling behind on sales targets and the postponement of a planned North Carolina factory.
Despite these setbacks, Vinfast is moving forward with the launch of its three-row VF 9 SUV. The company initially followed a direct-sales model similar to Tesla, but later transitioned to a franchised dealer model in late 2023. Vinfast expects to notify owners of the recall via mail on January 20, 2025, and provides a customer service hotline for those who require more information. While the recall of the VF 8 electric SUV highlights manufacturing defects that have plagued the company, Vinfast remains committed to addressing these issues and improving its market presence with new vehicle launches.
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