Waymo has recalled its fleet of 3,871 self-driving robotaxis to address a software flaw that caused the autonomous vehicles to behave improperly around freeway construction zones. The company aims to prevent the robotaxis from driving on such highways until a fix is implemented.
Details of the Recall
According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall was triggered after Waymo identified at least 13 separate instances where its robotaxis drove directly into highway sections closed for construction. Six of these incidents occurred in Phoenix, Arizona, in April, while another seven took place in San Francisco, California, in May.
Root Cause of the Issue
The robotaxis failed to recognize and navigate construction barriers properly. The filing states: "Driving through a closed construction zone increases the risk of a crash. Waymo LLC (Waymo) is recalling certain 5th Generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The software may allow the vehicle to enter a closed freeway construction zone and continue driving at speed." In mid-April, Waymo vehicles in Phoenix ignored ramp closure signs and entered active construction areas. On May 18, seven robotaxis made similar errors in the San Francisco Bay Area. Waymo explained that in California, the onboard software either prioritized avoiding other freeway hazards or failed to recognize the construction zone entirely.
Immediate Actions Taken
Waymo officially pulled its robotaxis from all highways on May 19. The internal safety board formally decided to issue the recall on June 8.
Proposed Remedy
Waymo stated that a software fix is "currently under development." In the interim, Waymo modified the scope of vehicle operations to restrict freeway driving. The company will update the ADS software to detect when the vehicle is in or approaching construction zones and avoid entering them, free of charge. Waymo is not removing its robotaxis from public roads entirely but has imposed a voluntary restriction on all highway operations. The robotaxis will continue to operate on standard surface city streets, though Waymo periodically pauses service during severe weather that poses flooding risks.
A Waymo spokesperson told TechCrunch: "We identified an area of improvement regarding performance around freeway construction zones. We 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."
