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Zoox recalls 258 self-driving cars over unexpected braking
Zoox, Amazon's autonomous driving unit, recalls 258 self-driving vehicles due to issues causing unexpected hard braking, following investigations by NHTSA after two motorcycle collisions. The recall affects vehicles with software versions prior to November 5, 2024, which a software update addressed. The incidents have heightened regulatory scrutiny on self-driving technology.
Key points
- Zoox recalls 258 vehicles due to autonomous system causing unexpected hard braking.
- The recall is voluntary and follows NHTSA investigations stemming from motorcycle collisions.
- The affected vehicles are Toyota Highlanders with Zoox technology before the software update cutoff.
- A software update was released on November 7, 2024, to fix the issue.
- Zoox is also testing custom robotaxis in San Francisco and Las Vegas as part of its operations.
Why it matters
- The recall highlights ongoing scrutiny of autonomous vehicle safety, reminiscent of past recalls by companies like Waymo and Cruise.
- In 2023, regulatory concerns increased following a serious incident involving Cruise, leading to its suspension and absorption into GM.
- The trend in 2025 emphasizes the importance of software safety updates and robust testing of autonomous systems in public areas.
The recall from Zoox underscores the critical need for safety in autonomous driving technology, reminding industry players of the consequences of oversight in a scrutinizing regulatory environment.