Waymo recalls nearly 3,800 robotaxis over software safety issue

10:00

Waymo has announced a recall of 3,791 self-driving robotaxis in the United States following the discovery of a software issue that could affect vehicle safety in certain conditions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem may cause some autonomous vehicles to incorrectly operate in hazardous environments, including the risk of driving onto flooded roads. The recall affects specific fifth and sixth generation Automated Driving Systems used in Waymo’s fleet.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that the company has already taken interim measures, including updating mapping systems and restricting vehicle operations in certain weather conditions to reduce risk while a permanent solution is being developed.

Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc, is considered one of the leading developers of autonomous vehicle technology in the United States. The company operates robotaxi services in several American cities as part of the growing self-driving transport sector.

The recall comes as regulators increase scrutiny of autonomous driving systems following a series of safety incidents involving self-driving vehicles. In recent months, U.S. authorities have opened investigations into several cases involving Waymo vehicles, including incidents related to pedestrian safety and traffic rule compliance.

Safety experts say the rapid expansion of autonomous vehicles requires continuous improvements in software reliability, mapping accuracy and real-time decision-making systems, especially in unpredictable road conditions.

A permanent technical fix for the affected systems is currently under development, according to regulators, while monitoring of autonomous vehicle safety remains ongoing across multiple states.