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Waymo recalls robotaxi fleet due to risk in construction zones
Waymo has voluntarily recalled 3,871 of its robotaxis equipped with the 5th Generation Automated Driving System due to a risk that the software could allow entry into closed freeway construction zones.
Alphabet's robotaxi company Waymo has initiated a voluntary recall covering 3,871 vehicles due to a software issue that poses a risk of entering freeway construction zones.
Reason for the recall
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the software in question could allow a Waymo vehicle to enter and proceed through a closed freeway construction zone.
The recall came after a series of incidents first identified in Phoenix. The company determined that vehicles passed ramp closure signs and entered planned freeway construction zones when reviewing an incident on April 11 and five incidents on April 19.
San Francisco Bay Area incidents
Subsequently, on May 18, incidents occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area where seven Waymo vehicles drove through cones into active construction lanes.
According to Waymo's federal filing, the system either failed to recognize the construction zone or prioritized avoiding other hazards on the freeway more highly.
Measures taken by Waymo
Following the Phoenix incidents, Waymo restricted freeway driving while making operational changes. After the San Francisco Bay Area incidents, it suspended freeway driving more broadly and began working to identify root causes and develop a solution.
The company stated that no crashes or injuries were reported from these incidents, but the review led it to temporarily restrict freeway operations while working on additional software safety measures.
Company statement
A Waymo spokesperson said, "Waymo's mission is to be the world's most trusted driver, and data shows we're making roads safer in the communities where we operate."
The spokesperson added, "We identified an area of improvement around performance in freeway construction zones. Last month, we voluntarily restricted freeway operations while making improvements, proactively notified state and federal regulators, and decided to file a voluntary software recall with NHTSA."
Why construction zones are challenging for robotaxis
Construction zones change rapidly. Lane markings can disappear, cones can be moved, and temporary signs can contradict the expected road layout. Even human drivers can become confused when a familiar ramp suddenly closes.
For an autonomous vehicle, all of this becomes a real-time software test. The vehicle must determine what counts as a lane, barrier, sign, or hazard. It also needs to adjust when the map no longer matches the road.
Impact on robotaxi services
Waymo noted that freeway trips may not be available while it works on the fix. The company announced that service on surface streets continues normally in all cities where it operates, but routes may take longer if freeway trips are unavailable.
Waymo explained that it will implement the fix itself as it owns the affected vehicles and will update the filing after the fix is deployed.
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