VinFast recalls more than 6,000 electric cars in Vietnam to fix brakes

Vietnamese electric vehicle maker VinFast is recalling 6,032 of its sports utility vehicle VF 8 sold in the country to check and replace the bolt connecting the front brake caliper to the knuckle, the firm announced Saturday.

These SUV cars were made between September 2022 and February 2023, VinFast said, adding that this bolt, due to a mistake in assembling components, may loosen when the vehicle is operating, potentially lowering the function of the front brake.

The company said it has found the error via regular reality check-ups but has not recorded any breakdowns or complaints from customers about the loosened bolt.

In the recalling program, set to start Sunday at all VinFast showrooms and service points nationwide, the bolt will be replaced free of charge, and this fixing will need about 30 minutes. Customers in the program will receive a VND1 million ($42) voucher each to use other VinFast services, said the firm - the carmaker of Vietnam's largest private conglomerate Vingroup.

In the announcement, VinFast did not mention those VF 8 cars already shipped to the U.S. market.

On February 7, the company said it had selected U.S. Bank as its preferred provider of retail financing and leasing of VinFast vehicles in the U.S. The bank will officially provide financing and leasing solutions for VinFast vehicles at its showrooms and via the VinFast website.

It started to ship its first 999 VF 8 cars in December last year to the U.S. and plans to deliver them to buyers this month.

In Vietnam, VinFast sold 358 EVs this January, comprised of 204 VF 8 units and 154 VF e34, smaller in size than VF 8.