Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has issued a recall for 258 self-driving vehicles after identifying a software issue that could lead to sudden, unnecessary braking. The recall — confirmed in a March 19 filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — affects vehicles equipped with versions of Zoox’s automated driving system (ADS) software released before November 5.
Why the Recall Was Issued
The issue centers around how Zoox vehicles respond to nearby cyclists and motorcyclists in certain traffic scenarios. In its report, Zoox outlined two specific ADS behaviors that triggered the recall:
- If a cyclist is in or near an adjacent crosswalk and the Zoox vehicle encounters a newly green traffic signal, the ADS may respond too cautiously, applying hard braking even when unnecessary.
- If a motorcyclist or bicyclist is rapidly approaching the rear of the vehicle, the system might misinterpret the movement as an imminent collision and trigger abrupt deceleration.
Software Update Issued
To address these issues, Zoox has already deployed an over-the-air software update to all affected vehicles. According to the company, no further incidents have occurred since the update was implemented. However, the company proceeded with a formal recall “in light of NHTSA’s position and in the interest of promoting transparency.”
Safety Investigations and Industry Context
Zoox’s vehicles have been under federal scrutiny since May 2023, when NHTSA opened a separate probe into two rear-end collisions involving Zoox robotaxis that resulted in injuries to motorcyclists. That investigation remains ongoing.
Growing Pressure on AV Companies
The recall adds to a broader narrative of caution surrounding autonomous vehicle technology. Zoox, alongside competitors like Waymo and Cruise, is navigating heightened regulatory oversight. Public and government scrutiny intensified after a widely publicized 2023 incident in which a pedestrian was seriously injured by a driverless Cruise vehicle.
In that context, Waymo also recalled more than 670 autonomous vehicles last year after one of its cars hit a utility pole in Phoenix, Arizona. These events have highlighted both the technical challenges and the public safety implications of deploying self-driving cars at scale.
Zoox’s Expansion Efforts Continue
Despite the recall, Zoox remains committed to expanding its footprint in the robotaxi sector. In June 2023, the company announced plans to begin testing in two additional U.S. cities, building on existing operations in California. Zoox has also been testing a custom-built vehicle — one without traditional steering wheels or pedals — which it self-certified in 2022. That move is still under review by NHTSA as part of a separate investigation.
A Transparent Step Amid Tightened Oversight
Zoox’s decision to recall vehicles without waiting for further incidents reflects a proactive stance as regulators tighten their grip on the AV sector. By prioritizing software transparency and safety responsiveness, Zoox hopes to avoid the public fallout seen by other players in the space.
While the recall affects a relatively small number of vehicles, its significance lies in what it represents — a company trying to get ahead of safety concerns before they evolve into larger setbacks. As Zoox moves forward, balancing innovation with accountability will be key to gaining public trust in a self-driving future.
