Complaint Filed Against EV Car That Crashed In Pleasanton: Reports
PLEASANTON, CA — The electric vehicle driven by the George family had a history of steering issues, according to a complaint filed last week with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The details of the complaint align exactly with the April 24 crash that killed the family, though neither VinFast nor the NHTSA were able to confirm to news outlets that they correspond.
The complaint was submitted by the owner of the car, who said that they lent it to their coworker Tarun George. PPD Lt. Erik Silacci confirmed to Pleasanton Weekly that the car was registered to a friend of the George family. The owner said in the complaint that several times before the crash, the steering wheel automatically veered to the right, even when lane assist was turned on.
The 2023 VinFast VF8 has received one recall and nine complaints, according to the NHTSA website. Of the nine complaints, three reported steering issues, and two were about lane departure. In 2023, VinFast recalled hundreds of VF 8 models after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said that software errors caused dashboard display glitches that could increase the risk of crashes.
VinFast did not comment on these complaints, and released the following statement to several outlets: ““VinFast is aware of this tragic accident in Pleasanton and our hearts go out to the family. The authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident and will share their findings when their work is completed.”
The George family was killed the night of April 24 after their car struck a tree and caught fire on Foothill Road near the intersection with Stoneridge Drive. The investigation continues. In a followup interview with Pleasanton Weekly, Lt. Erik Silacci said evidence shows the car hit a roadside pole, went airborne, and struck a large oak tree. Silacci also said investigators do not believe a fire killed the family, and are trying to determine if all the occupants were wearing seatbelts.
The deaths of the young family shocked their friends and family, and led to a large memorial at the site of the crash.
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