--- title: "Feds Investigate VinFast Crash That Killed 4 After Report of Steering Problem" description: "The SUV reportedly struck a pole, then a tree, and burst into flames after its owner reported trouble with the vehicle's lane-keep assist." date: "2024-05-21" modified: "2024-05-21" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/feds-investigate-vinfast-crash-that-killed-4-after-report-of-steering-problem" categories: - "Car Tech" - "Electric Vehicles" - "News" tags: - "Electric Vehicle" - "suv/crossover" - "Vinfast" --- # Feds Investigate VinFast Crash That Killed 4 After Report of Steering Problem ![]() *\VinFast\* On April 24, the George family—Tarun, Rincy, and their two children, aged 13 and 9—were involved in a single-vehicle crash in Pleasanton, California that tragically took all of their lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now investigating the situation, as it seems there could have been a steering malfunction in the borrowed [VinFast VF8]() they were driving. The Georges borrowed the electric SUV from one of Tarun's coworkers, who filed a complaint with NHTSA a few days after the crash. According to *[TechCrunch]()*, the owner of the VF8 had previously experienced at least one instance where the steering wheel would jerk to the right, due to a perceived lane-assist feature error. On Monday, the NHTSA said that its Special Crash Investigations department will "document the crash circumstances and the ensuing fire." While police are still seeking answers, it's known that the car reportedly hit a pole before striking a tree and catching fire, per *[CBS News]()*, and authorities said speed "appeared to have been a factor" in the incident. The NHTSA doesn't disclose the identify of people who file complaints, but [one complaint seemingly registered by the owner in Pleasanton mentioned]() that during their time with the VF8, "the steering wheel automatically maneuvered to the right direction," and that the issue recurred because the vehicle's lane-keep assist was turned on by default. The complaint also described the crash that is now under federal investigation. This NHTSA complaint isn't the only one lobbed at VinFast for alleged steering and active safety system issues. There are currently 11 reports of issues from customers relating to the 2023 VF8, most of which are about forward collision avoidance, lane departure, and steering. Some of the other complaints describe the powertrain shifting into park while driving, the vehicle driving into traffic cones, and even suddenly losing power at 80 mph. VinFast has of course found itself at the [center of controversy]() since the launch of the VF8, its first vehicle sold in North America. Negative reviews citing defects that VinFast later [vowed to get on top of](), as well as a [recall last May for blank displays]() have called the manufacturer's quality control into question. It's up to regulators to determine now whether such an oversight contributed in any way to this tragedy. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()