Zoox issues second robotaxi software recall following San Francisco collision
Amazon-owned Zoox issued a voluntary software recall for 270 vehicles following a May 8 collision in San Francisco between an unoccupied robotaxi and an e-scooter rider. The incident was the second recall in a month, with previous concerns about the vehicle's ability to predict movements of other road users.
What happened
On May 8, 2025, an unoccupied Zoox robotaxi operating at low speed was struck by an e-scooter rider at an intersection in San Francisco after the vehicle braked to yield.
The e-scooterist fell to the ground next to the vehicle. The robotaxi then began to move and stopped after completing the turn, but did not make further contact with the e-scooterist. The e-scooterist declined medical attention for minor injuries.
Zoox submitted a voluntary software recall report to NHTSA on May 23, 2025, affecting 270 vehicles.
Reported impact
The e-scooter rider sustained minor injuries and fell to the ground during the collision.
A robotaxi that continues to move after a collision risks harming road users involved in the crash.
Index analysis
The incident raised concerns about the autonomous vehicle's ability to predict the movement of vulnerable road users, similar to issues identified in a separate Las Vegas crash weeks earlier.
The recall was issued to improve perception tracking and further prevent vehicle movement when a vulnerable road user may be very near the vehicle.
Governance controls
Zoox shared relevant information and video with regulators regarding the May 8 incident.
NHTSA issued a statement advising road users to be cautious near autonomous vehicles because drivers may incorrectly predict travel paths of cyclists or scooter riders.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.