Waymo to recall over 3,800 robotaxis after software risk in construction zones

Thursday 18 June 2026 - 11:00

Waymo, the autonomous driving company owned by Alphabet, has announced a recall of 3,871 robotaxis in the United States following the identification of a software issue that could cause vehicles to enter closed highway construction zones.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected vehicles may continue driving at speed after entering restricted work areas on freeways, raising potential safety concerns for passengers, construction workers, and other road users.

The recall applies to certain vehicles equipped with Waymo’s Fifth Generation Automated Driving System (ADS), which powers the company’s fully driverless taxi fleet. The regulator stated that the company has already taken steps to limit operations by restricting freeway driving in affected units while a permanent fix is deployed.

Waymo confirmed that it will update its software to improve the system’s ability to detect road closures and construction zones. The update will be provided free of charge and is designed to prevent vehicles from entering unsafe or restricted areas.

Autonomous vehicle safety remains a key focus for regulators as self-driving technology continues to expand in major U.S. cities. Companies operating robotaxi fleets are required to meet strict safety standards and respond quickly to any system defects that could affect public safety.

Industry experts note that while autonomous driving systems have made significant progress in recent years, complex real-world environments such as highway construction zones remain a major challenge for artificial intelligence-based navigation systems.

The recall highlights the ongoing tension between rapid technological innovation and regulatory oversight in the autonomous vehicle sector. As companies like Waymo continue to scale their services, ensuring software reliability and public safety remains a critical priority.

Despite the setback, the development of robotaxis is expected to continue expanding, with companies investing heavily in improved mapping, sensor technology, and machine learning systems to enhance safety and performance in diverse driving conditions.