Software issues lead to Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN.US) Zoox recalling vehicles again, sounding the alarm on autonomous driving safety.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday that Zoox, the autonomous driving department of Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN.US), is recalling 332 vehicles in the United States due to errors in its autonomous driving system (ADS) software. NHTSA stated that Zoox is recalling certain vehicles equipped with the ADS system that had software versions released before December 19. When these vehicles are approaching or at intersections, there may be instances of crossing the yellow centerline, leading them to drive into or stop in the path of oncoming traffic, significantly increasing the risk of collision. The agency further explained that Zoox has already provided free software updates for the affected vehicles' autonomous driving system (ADS). This recall action comes after another recall earlier this year in May, involving 270 vehicles. In the same month of the recall, a related accident occurred in San Francisco. Zoox promptly released software updates aimed at optimizing the tracking of surrounding pedestrians and ensuring that the vehicles remain stationary when someone approaches, preventing further movement. In August of this year, NHTSA officially approved Zoox's vehicles for demonstration runs, ending the investigation that had been ongoing since 2022 regarding whether Zoox complied with federal regulations.