Zoox Issues Second Recall After Robotaxi Crash: Zoox issues second recall after robotaxi crash in San Francisco, raising concerns over the safety of autonomous vehicles as this Amazon-owned company navigates real-world driving challenges. As the race to bring self-driving taxis to the streets heats up, a second incident and subsequent recall in less than a month has sparked fresh questions about whether the technology is truly road-ready.
While Zoox emphasizes safety and transparency, some experts and local residents are skeptical, especially as accidents involving vulnerable road users like scooter riders and cyclists continue to make headlines.
Zoox Issues Second Recall After Robotaxi Crash
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Company | Zoox (Amazon-owned) |
| Date of Incident | May 8, 2025 |
| Location | San Francisco |
| Recall | 270 robotaxis |
| Issue | Fault in perception tracking system |
| Previous Incident | Collision in Las Vegas, early May 2025 |
Self-driving cars are one of the most exciting — and controversial — innovations in recent memory. While Zoox’s recent recalls are concerning, they also show that the system works. Companies are learning from their mistakes and making updates fast.
Still, the question remains: Are we ready to share the road with robotaxis?
If you’re a commuter in San Francisco or Las Vegas, this isn’t just tech news — it’s your daily reality. Stay alert, be safe, and keep asking the tough questions.
What Happened in San Francisco?
On May 8, 2025, an unoccupied Zoox robotaxi was driving through San Francisco’s busy streets when it was involved in a minor crash. The vehicle had paused to yield at an intersection when a scooter rider collided with the car. Although the robotaxi completed its turn and didn’t make additional contact, the incident raised eyebrows.
Thankfully, the scooter rider was not seriously injured and declined medical assistance. But the situation prompted Zoox to launch an internal investigation, resulting in a voluntary recall of 270 vehicles.
The issue? A software flaw in the vehicle’s perception tracking system — the tech that helps the robotaxi see and understand what’s around it.
Why Was There a Recall?
This wasn’t just a one-off oopsie. It followed another similar incident in Las Vegas just weeks earlier, where a Zoox car had trouble predicting the actions of a human-driven vehicle. That crash also led to a recall to fix traffic prediction software.
With two accidents in less than 30 days, Zoox was quick to issue updates. They say the latest software patch improves the car’s ability to detect vulnerable road users (VRUs), like people on scooters or bikes.
According to their statement: “We take every incident seriously. Even when no one is hurt, we treat it as a learning opportunity.”
The Rise of Robotaxis — A Quick Primer
Robotaxis are fully autonomous (self-driving) vehicles designed to pick up passengers without a human driver. They’re seen as the future of urban mobility, promising reduced traffic accidents, fewer emissions, and cheaper ride-hailing.
Big names in the race include:
- Zoox (Amazon)
- Waymo (Google/Alphabet)
- Cruise (GM)
- Tesla (to some extent, though not fully autonomous yet)
The idea is great. But getting AI to safely drive in real-world chaos — with jaywalkers, emergency vehicles, and unpredictable scooters — is no small feat.
What’s in the Recall?
Zoox Recall Fast Facts
- Affected vehicles: 270
- Cities impacted: San Francisco and Las Vegas
- Software issues: Perception tracking and motion prediction
- Fix: Over-the-air update (think Tesla-style software patch)
- Timeline: Update already deployed
This type of proactive recall (no government mandate involved) shows Zoox is taking a safety-first approach, but it also reveals how much tweaking is still needed before AVs can go mainstream.
The Bigger Question: Are Robotaxis Safe?
It depends who you ask.
Optimists say:
- AVs remove human error, the cause of 94% of crashes (NHTSA)
- They’re programmed to obey all traffic laws (no texting, speeding, or DUIs)
- Software updates can fix issues quickly — unlike mechanical recalls
Critics argue:
- AVs can struggle with unpredictable situations like pedestrians darting out
- Cities like San Francisco have seen spikes in near-misses and traffic confusion
- Accountability remains murky — who’s liable if there’s a crash?
What Should You Do as a Pedestrian or Driver?
Be extra cautious around AVs:
- Make eye contact with the vehicle’s sensors (yes, really)
- Don’t assume it “sees” you — be predictable
- Avoid erratic movements around them, especially on scooters or bikes
What’s Next for Zoox?
Despite the setbacks, Zoox is not slowing down. They’ve expanded their testing fleets and are working closely with regulators. The company maintains that real-world testing is critical to making AVs safer.
Amazon has invested heavily in the project — to the tune of over $1.2 billion — betting that Zoox will eventually lead the way in autonomous mobility.
Expect more:
- Pilot programs in urban areas
- Collaborations with city planners
- Increased transparency in safety reporting
FAQs On Zoox Issues Second Recall After Robotaxi Crash
Q: Did anyone get hurt in the San Francisco crash?
A: No serious injuries were reported. The scooter rider declined medical treatment.
Q: Is Zoox the only company having these issues?
A: Nope. Waymo, Cruise, and others have also faced crashes, recalls, and public criticism.
Q: Are robotaxis legal everywhere?
A: No. Laws vary by city and state. California has strict testing regulations through the DMV and CPUC.
Q: How do I report a problem with a self-driving car?
A: File complaints or observations directly with NHTSA.
