NHTSA: Zoox, Amazon's robotics unit, recalls 332 vehicles in US due to software glitch

• This marks Zoox's third recall in 2024, following 270 vehicles recalled in May for pedestrian tracking issues and an April recall for unexpected hard braking problems
• The recall highlights ongoing safety challenges in the autonomous vehicle industry, with competitor Waymo also recalling vehicles this month for illegally passing school buses
• NHTSA certified Zoox vehicles for demonstration use in August while continuing an investigation into federal compliance that began in 2022

Zoox Recalls 332 Robotaxis Over Lane Crossing Software Issue

Amazon's self-driving unit Zoox is recalling 332 self-driving robotaxis due to a software glitch causing vehicles to cross yellow center lines and potentially drive into or stop in front of oncoming traffic near intersections. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on Tuesday.

Key Details:

• No collisions resulted from the issue
• Software update has been deployed to address the problem
• Investigation began after an August incident where a Zoox robotaxi made a wide right turn, crossing into the opposing lane
• 62 instances identified where robotaxis unnecessarily crossed lane lines

Previous Safety Issues:

• May 2024: Zoox recalled 270 vehicles to improve pedestrian tracking after an April 8 crash in Las Vegas
• April 2024: NHTSA investigated a braking issue leading to unexpected hard braking
• August 2024: NHTSA certified Zoox vehicles for demonstration use while continuing a 2022 investigation into federal compliance

Market Context:

The recall highlights ongoing safety challenges in the autonomous vehicle sector. Competitor Waymo (Alphabet) also faced a December recall after its vehicles illegally passed school buses 19 times in Texas, prompting an NHTSA probe.

Implications:

This marks Zoox's third recall in 2024, underscoring the technical and regulatory hurdles facing Amazon's autonomous vehicle ambitions. The pattern of software-related recalls across the industry suggests autonomous vehicle technology remains in early development stages, potentially impacting investor confidence in the sector's near-term commercial viability.