Waymo recalls 3,871 robotaxis over construction zone navigation flaw
Waymo recalled 3,871 robotaxis after NHTSA identified a software defect in its Fifth Generation Automated Driving System that caused vehicles to enter closed highway construction zones at speed. The company restricted freeway operations and developed an over-the-air software update to improve location recognition and construction zone avoidance.
What happened
Waymo identified at least 13 instances of its robotaxis driving into highway sections that were closed for construction—six in Phoenix, Arizona in April and seven in San Francisco, California in May. The defect sits in certain Fifth Generation Automated Driving Systems and could cause vehicles to enter closed freeway construction zones and continue driving at speed.
Waymo pulled its robotaxis from all highways on May 19 and voluntarily restricted freeway operations while developing improvements. The company proactively notified state and federal regulators and filed a voluntary software recall with NHTSA.
Reported impact
Waymo has restricted freeway driving on its fleet of 3,871 robotaxis in the United States. The company continues to operate vehicles on surface streets but has periodically paused service during severe weather that could lead to flooding.
Index analysis
This is the sixth recall Waymo has issued for its robotaxis. The expansion of Waymo's robotaxi service has highlighted a number of edge cases that the software has struggled with, which now includes highway construction zones.
Governance controls
The fix will arrive as an over-the-air software update that helps each vehicle recognize its location and avoid construction zones, delivered free of charge. The company's driving software is currently under investigation by the NHTSA and National Transportation Safety Board regarding its behavior around school buses after one of its robotaxis struck a child near a school in January.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.