Google-owned Waymo is recalling approximately 3,800 robotaxis in the United States after identifying a software flaw that could allow its autonomous vehicles to drive into flooded roadways. This voluntary recall, disclosed in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affects vehicles equipped with the company's fifth- and sixth-generation automated driving systems. The move comes amid growing concerns about how self-driving cars handle extreme weather conditions.
Incidents Prompt Federal Investigation
The issue came to light after multiple incidents, including one in Austin, Texas, where Waymo robotaxis were observed driving into flooded streets or stalling in heavy rain. According to a report by CNBC, videos from Austin and other locations show Waymo vehicles entering waterlogged roads and stopping mid-traffic, forcing other drivers to maneuver around them. In one case last month, a Waymo autonomous vehicle in San Antonio entered a flooded roadway and was swept into a creek. No passengers were aboard, but the incident triggered a federal investigation by the NHTSA.
Waymo's Response and Software Fixes
In a statement, Waymo acknowledged the problem, saying it had “identified an area of improvement regarding untraversable flooded lanes specific to higher-speed roadways.” The company has already implemented some software fixes and is developing additional safeguards to prevent vehicles from entering flooded areas. Temporary mitigations include limiting robotaxi operations during severe weather conditions to avoid areas where flash flooding might occur.
“Waymo provides over half a million trips every week in some of the most challenging driving environments across the U.S., and safety is our primary priority,” the company stated.
Expansion and Challenges
The recall comes as Waymo continues to expand its robotaxi operations across the U.S., currently running services in 11 markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Miami, with varying levels of public access. However, the flooding-related incidents add to a series of operational challenges. Waymo has previously faced criticism for its vehicles failing to yield to school buses in Austin and for disruptions during power outages in San Francisco, where robotaxis stalled and caused traffic congestion.
The company confirmed that its service in San Antonio remains temporarily suspended following the April incident, though it is “readying operations to resume public rides.”
