Article Title:
Zoox Initiates Software Recall to Address Lane-Crossing Concerns in Autonomous Vehicles
Article Text:
On December 23, 2025, Zoox, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Amazon, announced a voluntary recall of its software affecting 332 vehicles. This decision stems from identified issues where the autonomous driving system caused vehicles to cross center lane lines near intersections or obstruct crosswalks. While no accidents have been reported, Zoox acknowledged in its filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that such behaviors could elevate the risk of collisions.
Zoox offers complimentary rides to the public in its driverless vehicles across select areas in San Francisco and Las Vegas. A company spokesperson highlighted that certain maneuvers, though typical for human drivers, did not align with Zoox’s stringent standards. For instance, to prevent blocking intersections at red lights, the robotaxi might halt within a crosswalk. In other cases, delayed turns resulted in wider-than-intended turns.
The issue first came to light on August 26 when a Zoox robotaxi executed a wide right turn, partially entering the opposing lane and momentarily stopping in front of oncoming traffic. Subsequent data analysis revealed 62 similar instances between August 26 and December 5. Zoox has been in continuous dialogue with the NHTSA regarding the frequency, severity, and root causes of these occurrences.
To address these concerns, Zoox implemented software updates on November 7 and again in mid-December. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency and safety, stating, We have successfully identified and deployed targeted software improvements to address the root causes of these incidents. The recall pertains to Zoox vehicles that operated on public roads between March 13 and December 18.
This marks the latest in a series of software recalls for Zoox in 2025. In March, the company addressed unexpected hard braking issues following a preliminary NHTSA investigation triggered by two reports of motorcyclists colliding with the rear of Zoox vehicles. In May, Zoox issued two additional software recalls to enhance the system’s ability to predict the movements of other road users.
The autonomous vehicle industry has faced increased scrutiny regarding safety and regulatory compliance. In August 2025, the NHTSA granted Zoox an exemption to demonstrate its custom-built robotaxis on public roads, resolving a longstanding debate over compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards. This exemption allowed Zoox to showcase its vehicles without traditional controls like steering wheels and pedals.
In September 2025, Zoox expanded its Las Vegas robotaxi service to the public, offering free rides in its purpose-built, electric, autonomous vehicles. This move was part of Zoox’s broader strategy to integrate autonomous transportation solutions into urban environments.
The recent software recall underscores the challenges and responsibilities inherent in deploying autonomous vehicles on public roads. Zoox’s proactive approach to identifying and rectifying software issues reflects its dedication to safety and transparency. As the company continues to refine its technology, ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies like the NHTSA will be crucial in ensuring the safe and effective integration of autonomous vehicles into the transportation ecosystem.
