Zoox recalls 258 vehicles over unexpected braking
Zoox, Amazon's autonomous driving unit, issued a voluntary recall of 258 vehicles equipped with software versions released before November 5, 2024, following a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation into unexpected hard braking incidents. The issue resulted in at least two collisions involving motorcyclists, and Zoox addressed it with a software update released by November 7, 2024.
What happened
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began a preliminary investigation in May 2025 after receiving two reports of incidents in which motorcyclists collided with the back of Zoox vehicles, Toyota Highlanders equipped with Zoox autonomous driving technology.
Both incidents occurred while Zoox vehicles were operating with their autonomous systems engaged, resulting in unexpected hard braking.
Reported impact
Two collisions involving motorcyclists injured motorcyclists.
Zoox issued a voluntary recall affecting 258 vehicles equipped with software versions released before November 5, 2024, including purpose-built robotaxis testing in San Francisco and Las Vegas.
Index analysis
The recall affects vehicles with software versions from before November 5, 2024.
Zoox addressed the unexpected braking issue through a software update released by November 7, 2024, with particular improvements for scenarios involving cyclists and rapidly approaching motorcyclists.
Governance controls
Zoox agreed to the recall in light of NHTSA's findings and emphasized its commitment to transparency and safety.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.