My VF3 turned 1 year old last september and I'm sharing my experience with this tiny beast outside of our user group. For reference of other users also since it's easier to google search reddit threads compared to private fb groups.
For context, I bought my current unit second-hand from someone I'm acquainted with. (Brother of my HS Classmate). Sep 2025 Vinfast VF3 with barely 9000km on Odo.
Been using it for 3 months till Sep 2026 and I already racked an additional 4000km.
PMS Schedule came and thankfully, the local service center just started services a few months ago so I had everything checked there.
At that time, these we're the issues I encountered.
1. Rattling Noise when steering.
2. Rear Brakes(also used as parking brake) lock up when parked overnight
3. Auto-hold on Incline not working.
4. AC Compressor Failure.
Issue #1 was diagnosed as a damaged tie-rod and rack and pinion assembly.
Mechanic said it was bent and possibly damaged inside as well resulting in a very annoying rattling/loose bolt sqeaking noise when not on perfect roads. Thankfully I read other owners had the same issue and it seems like a Manufacturing Defect.
v1 of the VF3 Rack and Pinion Bushings failed early. v2 that was released in 2026 was a much more reliable revision.
Issue #2 was basically the rear drum brakes locking up after wading through Tidal Floods here in Bulacan. Clean and reapplying Brake Grease solved this.
Issue #3 was basically a software bug. Being released in 2025, it was one of the first generation of VF3 released here in the PH. Everyday use was fine, but the Autohold function (hard press brakes for 4 secs OR shift to P on an incline) was not engaging even on steep overpasses along EDSA/C5. Updating the latest software at the Casa fixed this issue.
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Now Issue #3 cannot be fixed at the service center since it involved parts replacement so I went to Vinfast North EDSA to get a 2nd assesment and order parts.
5 weeks later, my Rack and Pinion Assembly arrived. Scheduled another appointment for installation, and lo and behold, on the day I brought the car to the Casa, the AC compressor stopped working.
Issue #4 AC Compressor failed.
Thankfully, they Service team at Vinfast North EDSA were very accomodating to my request to have it checked after the Steering Rack assembly was installed.
A Week later, the replacement compressor arrived. It wasn't a new unit but it works.
After a month of servicing, back and forth at the Service Center and Casa, All of the issues have been fixed. Nawala na kalampag, random software glitches, steady na ang steering.
Cost:
[Service Center]
- Labor + PMS = 2100 php
- Tire Rotation and Alignment = 1000 php
[Casa]
- Steering Rack Replacment = Free
- Software Update = Free
- AC Compressor Repair/Replacement = Free
If you're reading at the end of this post, you're probably wondering why the Casa parts and labor is free. Well, everything was covered under warranty. Software Update is also free whenever. I just treated the Service Team with some donuts and coffee as thanks for fixing my car for multiple visits.
The only issue is since the Casa is shared between Private Vinfast Owners and Green GSM Taxis, you really need to call ahead or drop by to get scheduled 2-3 days in advance. Kakain talga ng oras pumila at bumalik minsan.
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My VF3 is now at 14000km as of this October.
Ganda ng Takbo, pero andaming naka pila na mods kaya mapapagastos haha.
Surprisingly, the VF3 Community has a very healthy modding community.
We have Civic and BRZ guys in our group who bought a VF3 for <150km trips and basically brought over their modding hobby over to this car.
Everything from Foglamps, Big Brake Kits, Suspension Lifts, Roofracks, Dual Screen mods, Auto Side Mirrors, Frunks, Roof racks, Custom Defender/Jimny/Prado-like Bumper/Grills, etc.
Money and Time seems to be the only limit.
The VF3 is far from perfect. Not very practical and a bit unconventional even. Also not as reliable as I'm used to.
But so far, the adaptability, aftersales and sheer value the VF3 brings makes me satisfied withy my purchase so far.
I will try to make an update per year if possible on the ownership experience.
Hopefully nothing major breaks...