Waymo Recalls 3,800 Robotaxis Over ‘Driving into Standing Water’ Issue

A Waymo robotaxi is recalled over concerns it could drive into flooded roads.

Alphabet-owned Waymo is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,800 of its robotaxis across the United States to address a software flaw that could potentially lead them to navigate into flooded roadways. The recall, detailed in a letter filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), specifically targets vehicles equipped with Waymo’s fifth and sixth-generation automated driving systems (ADS).

This move comes after recent incidents where Waymo vehicles in Austin, Texas, were observed driving onto flooded streets and subsequently stalling, necessitating other drivers to maneuver around them. Similar situations have been reported in other operational areas, highlighting a recurring safety concern for the autonomous vehicle unit as it aggressively expands its fleet and presence in new U.S. markets.

Waymo has faced scrutiny in the past for other operational issues, including instances where its vehicles failed to yield to school buses in Austin. In December, the company’s robotaxis experienced performance disruptions during widespread power outages in San Francisco, leading to traffic gridlock as vehicles halted in the middle of roadways.

In a statement, Waymo acknowledged identifying an “area of improvement regarding untraversable flooded lanes specific to higher-speed roadways” and proactively initiated a voluntary software recall with the NHTSA. The company emphasized its commitment to safety, noting that it facilitates over half a million trips weekly across diverse and often challenging driving environments in the U.S.

To mitigate risks, Waymo stated it is implementing “additional software safeguards” and has deployed “mitigations” that restrict its robotaxis’ operations during extreme weather events. These measures are designed to ensure the vehicles avoid areas prone to flash flooding during periods of intense rainfall.

Waymo currently offers its commercial robotaxi service in 11 U.S. markets, with broad public access in major cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Miami. In select markets, the service is accessible to a more limited user base.

The company also confirmed that its robotaxi service in San Antonio, Texas, remains temporarily suspended. This suspension followed an incident on April 20, where a Waymo autonomous vehicle entered a flooded road and was swept into a creek. Fortunately, there were no passengers on board at the time. This event triggered an NHTSA investigation and ultimately contributed to the current voluntary recall. Waymo indicated it is preparing to resume public rides in San Antonio.

The evolution of autonomous driving technology, while promising for future mobility, continues to present complex challenges, particularly concerning operational safety in unpredictable environmental conditions. These recalls underscore the critical need for robust testing and continuous software updates to ensure the reliability and safety of AVs as they integrate into public infrastructure. The industry’s ability to effectively address such issues will be pivotal in building public trust and accelerating the adoption of this transformative technology.