FYI: A VinFast VF 8 faced severe technical issues, leaving a reviewer stranded far from the nearest service center. This highlights the challenges of owning an EV from a manufacturer with limited service availability.
VinFast VF 8 Strands Reviewer: A Cautionary Tale for EV Buyers
A nearly new VinFast VF 8 electric SUV left a reviewer from Out Of Spec stranded when it unexpectedly bricked itself. This incident underscores the challenges potential buyers may face if they live far from VinFast service centers.
The Incident
VinFast’s VF 8 has garnered interest due to attractive lease deals, but it proved troublesome for Jordan, an Out Of Spec reviewer, who found himself 500 miles away from the nearest service center. The car began to exhibit strange behavior, with battery drainage issues and multiple warning lights indicating it couldn’t fully power down. When Jordan plugged the car into a Level 2 charger to recharge its batteries, the situation worsened.
Upon disconnecting the charger, the VF 8 refused to shift into gear, run the air conditioning, or shut down completely. Fortunately, the car allowed him to shift into neutral, enabling him to move it out of the charging spot manually.
Limited Support Options
Jordan’s first attempt to resolve the issue involved unplugging the 12-volt battery to force a system restart, which proved ineffective. VinFast’s response was less than satisfactory—with no immediate technical assistance available. They offered roadside assistance, but it did not cover the extensive distance to the nearest service center, nor did they have third-party mechanics authorized to service the vehicle.
Options were scarce: either tow the car 500 miles to the nearest service center at his own expense, or wait for a technician to be flown out by VinFast—an option that seemed more like damage control given Out Of Spec’s wide-reaching audience.
Resolution and Reflection
After three days, Jordan finally connected with a technician who recommended pulling a main fuse to reset the vehicle. Interestingly, when Jordan returned to the car—now reconnected to the charger—it had seemingly fixed itself, clearing most of the error codes and making it drivable again. Despite a remaining cooling system fault, a power cycle resolved the issue, but the car still required a visit to a service center for a 12-volt battery "recalibration."
Key Takeaways
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for those tempted by attractive lease deals on the VinFast VF 8. Key points to consider include:
- Service Center Proximity: Ensure you’re within a reasonable distance from a VinFast service center, as long-distance assistance is not guaranteed.
- Technical Issues: Be aware of potential software bugs and technical problems, especially with newer EV models.
- Repair Accessibility: Independent repair shops lack the tools and authorization to service VinFast vehicles. Owners must rely exclusively on authorized service centers.
Conclusion
While the VinFast VF 8 offers appealing lease deals, prospective buyers must weigh the risks of service accessibility and potential technical issues. In an era where software-defined vehicles dominate, the need for broad serviceability and over-the-air updates is critical. VinFast’s limited service infrastructure may pose significant inconveniences, detracting from the benefits of its attractive pricing.
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William Kouch, Editor of EV News, Automotive.fyi
