US federal agency focused on automobile safety regulations
A patchwork of local, state and federal rules is shaping how robotaxis can operate in the U.S. Uber, Waymo and other players are racing to align with shifting regulations as pilots expand and应用 rollouts approach. Regulators push for safeguards while companies seek operational flexibility.
Several firms have announced expansion plans and new measures that will accelerate commercial robotaxi rollouts. Mobileye has announced a 2027 U.S. launch with an initial 100-vehicle fleet and a five-year target of 17,000; Wayve and Uber are preparing a supervised London service in the coming months; Tesla and Waymo are expanding U.S. coverage; and new indices show Chinese robotaxi players are scaling faster than many expected.
The NHTSA has issued recalls for Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator (2018–2022) and Kia Telluride (2027) seat belts due to locking failures. Remedial actions include free inspections and replacements, with owners receiving notifications and possible reimbursements. The recalls cover safety concerns and reflect ongoing regulatory oversight.
Stellantis has announced a global recall affecting around 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler SUVs and Gladiator pickups from 2021–2025 amid an electrical wiring fault in the power-steering system that could overheat and cause fires. The company has identified 72 potential incidents, including one injury, and is urging owners to park outside until repairs are completed, with a fix expected by July.
Honda has issued a recall affecting 880,514 rear-suspension-equipped vehicles across multiple models in the U.S. and elsewhere, citing potential subframe corrosion that could lead to rear-suspension failure. Honda and Acura dealers will inspect and repair or reinforce the rear subframe at no cost, with notices mailing July 7. Separately, Stellantis is recalling over 1.3 million Wrangler/Gladiator models for a wiring harness risk that could cause fires.
California’s Highway Patrol has announced a 12-hour “Maximum Enforcement Period” to curb impaired driving, deploying every uniformed officer for a weekend crackdown. The effort aims to reduce the toll from DUI-related crashes that affect thousands annually. Statewide statistics and prior enforcement efforts underscore the risk, with officials urging sober designations and alternate transport.
Waymo, Wayve, Baidu and Uber-backed ventures have pushed robotaxi testing and commercial rollouts in London, San Francisco and Houston, while Uber has announced Houston as its next market after San Francisco. Companies have recalled vehicles and limited freeway operations after construction-zone incidents, and unions and regulators are blocking some US rollout plans.
Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis to fix software that can drive into freeway construction zones, after 13 incidents in Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area. The company has limited freeway driving during the fix and notes it continues to operate on surface streets.
Federal and local investigators have opened probes after a Tesla Model 3 drove across a Katy, Texas, lawn and crashed into a home on 19 June, killing 76‑year‑old Martha Avila. The driver, Michael Butler, has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains jailed on $150,000 bond; the victim’s family has filed a wrongful‑death suit naming Tesla and Butler.
Zoox has unveiled interior and interface improvements to its bidirectional robotaxi as it eyes a wider rollout later this year, including a lighter interior, new seating, larger cupholders, improved touchscreens, and two-way audio for riders and first responders. Production is planned at the Hayward facility with up to 100 vehicles weekly pending regulatory approval.
Ford and NHTSA are expanding a recall to address a transmission parking pawl issue that could cause unintended vehicle movement. Affected 2018–2021 models will receive a free software update and inspection; 24 property-damage and nine injury allegations are noted. Dealerships will perform updates at no cost.
The USMCA renewal process is under way as the three North American partners weigh changes to the pact. Canada and Mexico seek a 16-year extension, while the United States signals willingness to renegotiate to boost domestic production. Negotiations are ongoing, with no immediate agreement expected, and the fate of tariffs and auto rules remains uncertain.
Federal and local probes have produced new findings and warnings about autonomous vehicles. The NTSB has reported that a Tesla driver manually overrode Full Self-Driving before a June crash that killed a 76‑year‑old in Katy, Texas. NHTSA has issued a directive demanding AV developers fix cases where driverless cars enter or block emergency scenes; Waymo and California regulators are under pressure over several incidents.
Kia America has initiated a recall expansion for 2020–2024 Telluride models after front power seat motors can overheat and cause fires. The new repair, installed by dealers, centers on an electronic fuse assembly to prevent ongoing motor operation if the switch is damaged. Owners are advised to park outdoors until repairs begin, with letters to be sent from Aug. 13. The recall follows a prior 2024 fix that did not resolve all incidents.
Subaru recalls certain 2019–2026 Ascent, 2025–2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid, and 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles after regulators found incorrect GAWR labeling. Owners will receive corrected GAWR stickers by mail; dealers can apply them at no charge. Notifications begin late August.
A Ford Explorer pulled over after a flat tire in Toledo, Ohio, with a grandmother and her grandchildren inside. A son who had been called to help found the bodies. Officials say there is a high spike of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle; foul play is not suspected. Authorities are investigating how the poisoning occurred as three victims died and two children remain in critical condition.
Zoox has issued a recall for 105 robotaxi vehicles after a June Las Vegas incident in which an unoccupied car failed to detect heavy smoke at an active emergency scene. The software update aims to improve smoke detection and response, following regulator concerns about first responders’ safety.
Heat waves have grown longer and more widespread, increasing risks for children. Experts say kids sweat less, have higher metabolism, and spend more time outdoors, making dehydration and heat illness more likely. Caregivers are advised to limit outdoor exposure during peak heat, dress children in light clothing, ensure fluids, and avoid covering strollers with blankets.