Zoox Recalls 105 Robotaxis After Vehicle Drives Into Heavy Smoke

Zoox has initiated a voluntary recall of software across its entire fleet of 105 robotaxis after one vehicle drove into heavy smoke at an active fire scene in Las Vegas on June 20. Source: Gizmodo, CNBC

What happened

According to a NHTSA safety report, the unoccupied Zoox robotaxi encountered heavy smoke that obscured an emergency fire scene that had not yet been cordoned off with traffic cones. The vehicle "entered the scene, then braked hard while attempting to steer away before coming to a stop." Source: Gizmodo A remote teleguidance operator then reversed the vehicle away, allowing first responders to place cones. No injuries were reported. Source: TheNextWeb

The recall and response

Zoox notified NHTSA on July 8 and released a software update that "enhances the existing capability of detecting and responding to heavy smoke." Source: TechCrunch The incident occurred just before NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison sent a letter to AV companies calling emergency scene detection a "functional insufficiency." Source: Engadget Although some sources specify the location as Las Vegas, TechCrunch notes Zoox declined to confirm the location. Source: TechCrunch

Wider context

This is Zoox's fourth recall in 2025, following issues with hard braking, lane crossings, and collision prediction. Source: Gizmodo The recall comes as Zoox expands testing in multiple cities and awaits NHTSA approval to deploy its steering-wheel-less vehicles commercially. Source: TheNextWeb The incident mirrors broader industry struggles with emergency situations, as Waymo also recalled 3,900 vehicles last month for construction zone issues. Source: TheNextWeb