Alphabet's Waymo recalled nearly 3,900 robotaxis after software errors led vehicles into closed freeway construction zones across California and Arizona in over a dozen incidents since April. Updated software has been deployed and some freeway routes temporarily restricted while regulators, including NHTSA, review multiple safety incidents tied to Waymo operations.
On June 18, Alphabet’s Waymo unit initiated a recall of nearly 3,900 robotaxis nationwide after identifying software that allowed vehicles to bypass ramp-closure signs and enter active freeway construction zones. The incidents occurred more than a dozen times across California and Arizona since April.
Waymo has rolled out an updated software patch to improve how its vehicles detect and respond to closed freeway ramps and temporarily limited some freeway operations during the deployment. This is the second major recall in just over a month, following a prior update to prevent entry into flooded roadways.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is probing a separate incident involving a child in Santa Monica, while other reviews have examined Waymo’s handling of school buses and roadway obstacles. These ongoing investigations could prompt further oversight of Alphabet’s autonomous driving program.
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