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Waymo recalls robotaxi fleet due to risk of entering highway construction zones
Alphabet's robotaxi firm Waymo has voluntarily recalled 3,871 vehicles equipped with its 5th Generation Automated Driving System due to a software risk that could allow entry into closed highway construction zones.
Alphabet's robotaxi firm Waymo has initiated a voluntary recall covering 3,871 vehicles due to a software issue that poses a risk of entering highway 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 highway construction zone.
The recall came after a series of incidents first identified in Phoenix. When the company reviewed an incident on April 11 and five incidents on April 19, it determined that vehicles passed ramp closure signs and entered planned highway construction zones.
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 highway hazards more.
Measures taken by Waymo
Following the Phoenix incidents, Waymo restricted highway driving while making operational changes. After the San Francisco Bay Area incidents, it suspended highway driving more broadly and began working to identify root causes and produce a solution.
The company stated that no crashes or injuries were reported from these incidents, but the review led it to temporarily restrict highway operations while working on additional software safety measures.
Company statement
A Waymo spokesperson said, "Waymo's mission is to be the world's most careful driver, and data shows we're making roads safer in the communities we serve."
The spokesperson stated, "We identified an area of improvement around performance in highway construction zones. Last month, while making improvements, we voluntarily restricted highway operations, proactively notified state and federal regulators, and decided to file a voluntary software recall with NHTSA."
Why are construction zones challenging for robotaxis?
Construction zones change rapidly. Lane markings can disappear, cones can be moved, temporary signs can contradict the expected road layout. Even human drivers can become confused when a familiar ramp is suddenly closed.
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 highway trips may not be available while it works on the fix. The company announced that its service on surface streets continues normally in all cities where it operates, but routes may take longer if highway trips are unavailable.
Waymo explained that as it owns the affected vehicles, it will implement the fix itself and will update the filing after the fix is deployed.
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