LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Zoox has issued a voluntary software recall for its autonomous vehicles after one drove through an active fire emergency with heavy smoke in the Las Vegas area.
The incident occurred on June 20, according to a federal safety recall report, though the exact location is unclear. The report says the unoccupied Zoox vehicle encountered heavy smoke from an active fire emergency that had not been cordoned off with traffic cones yet. The vehicle entered the scene, braked hard and attempted to steer away before coming to a stop.
MORE ON FOX5: Pedestrian sustains life-threatening injuries in crash near Craig, Nellis
A teleguidance tactician then guided the vehicle in reverse out of the scene, the report noted. First responders subsequently placed traffic cones at the location, blocking two of the three through-lanes.
Zoox notified NHTSA of the event on June 25, 2026, under its obligations through the Automated Vehicle Exemption Program.
The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, covers Zoox’s automated driving system software produced between April 23 and July 8.
According to the recall report, the software may not detect and respond to heavy smoke in certain situations, particularly near active emergency scenes. NHTSA identified the safety risk as an increased potential for a crash or impediment to first responders due to reduced visibility.
Zoox said the June 20 incident is the only event of its kind the company has experienced. No injuries were identified as part of the company’s analysis.
EN ESPAÑOL: Zoox emite llamada a revisión después de que un robotaxi entrara en una zona de humo denso en Las Vegas
Between June 22 and July 8, 2026, Zoox investigated the root cause and developed a software update to enhance the system’s ability to detect and respond to heavy smoke, including near active emergency vehicle scenes. The company also implemented an interim containment measure to avoid driving near active fire emergency scenes while the update was developed.
A spokesperson for Zoox issued the following statement to FOX5:
A software update will be released to all 105 affected vehicles operating on public roads. Zoox said it will continue to monitor field performance and issue further updates as needed.
Because Zoox solely owns, operates, and controls the affected fleet — and the equipment has never been offered for sale — the company said there are no owners or dealers to notify under federal recall regulations.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
