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Waymo recalls thousands of robotaxis after some vehicles entered freeway construction zones
The recall follows 13 incidents in Arizona and California, and Waymo says a software fix is still under development.
- On Wednesday, Waymo recalled 3,871 robotaxis using its 5th Generation Automated Driving System after vehicles entered closed freeway construction zones at speed. The company filed the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on June 17.
- Software logic errors caused the incidents, as the system sometimes failed to recognize construction zones or prioritized avoiding other freeway hazards instead. Waymo identified at least 13 instances across Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area where vehicles drove past ramp closure signs and cones.
- While no injuries or collisions were reported, Waymo suspended all freeway operations on May 19. A permanent fix remains 'currently under development,' according to NHTSA filings, though the fleet continues operating on surface streets.
- This marks Waymo's sixth safety recall in roughly 28 months, following a May incident where 3,791 vehicles were recalled after one robotaxi drove into a flooded road. The frequency of recalls highlights challenges as the company navigates high-speed driving environments.
- Despite these setbacks, Waymo plans to launch in more than 20 cities this year, including London and Tokyo. Newer Zeekr Ojai vans equipped with a 6th-generation ADS are unaffected by the software issue and continue normal operations.
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San Francisco, or SF, passenger recounts being stuck inside self-driving Waymo car through construction zone, followed by police
A San Francisco, or SF, passenger recounted being stuck inside a self-driving Waymo car through a construction zone and being followed by police.
·Philadelphia, United States
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Waymo Issues Another Recall After Robotaxis Sped Into Highway Construction Zones
The driverless carmaker says 13 of its autonomous vehicles failed to recognize blocked lanes and ramp closures. A free over-the-air software update is expected to resolve the issue.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources95
Leaning Left19Leaning Right12Center32Last UpdatedBias Distribution51% Center
Bias Distribution
- 51% of the sources are Center
51% Center
L 30%
C 51%
R 19%
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