Waymo Recalls Nearly 4,000 Robotaxis Over Software Glitches

Waymo Initiates Major Recall for Autonomous Robotaxis

Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, is recalling 3,871 of its Waymo autonomous robotaxis operating in the United States. The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), addresses software-related issues that could cause the vehicles to enter closed highway construction zones. A software fix is currently under development, and in the interim, these vehicles will be restricted from freeway driving.

Software Improvements and Incident Reports

The 5th Generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS) installed in these vehicles will be updated to better detect and avoid construction zones. Waymo stated, "Waymo identified an area of improvement regarding performance around freeway construction zones. They voluntarily restricted freeway operations last month while making improvements, proactively notified state and federal regulators, and decided to file a voluntary software recall with NHTSA."

According to NHTSA recall data, at least 13 incidents have been recorded where a Waymo robotaxi drove onto a closed highway. Of these, six incidents occurred in Phoenix, Arizona, and seven took place in San Francisco, California. These incidents highlight the challenges faced by automated driving systems in navigating complex and dynamic environments like construction zones.

Previous Recalls and Incidents

This is not the first recall for Waymo vehicles this year. In May, the company issued a similar recall after a software issue caused its autonomous vehicles to enter flooded roads in Texas. The flooding incident in San Antonio prompted an update to the vehicle maps to implement increased weather-related constraints. In one instance during severe weather, a Waymo vehicle entered a flooded roadway with a 40 mph speed limit, albeit at a reduced speed. No riders were harmed as the vehicle was unoccupied.

Further back, in January 2026, a Waymo taxi was involved in an incident where it struck a child who ran into the street from behind a double-parked SUV. The vehicle's system detected the child and slowed from 17 mph to less than six mph before making contact. Waymo commented on this incident, stating its vehicle made a "significant reduction in impact speed and severity" compared to an attentive human driver in the same situation. This situation remains under investigation.

The current recall focuses on ensuring the safety and reliability of Waymo's autonomous robotaxi fleet, particularly in challenging road conditions and construction areas.