Waymo is voluntarily recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis in the United States to address software problems linked to freeway construction zones, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall covers vehicles using the Alphabet-owned company’s fifth-generation automated driving system.
Regulatory documents cite 13 known incidents in which Waymo vehicles either entered freeway construction zones in Phoenix or drove into freeway lanes with active construction in the San Francisco area. The NHTSA notice states that driving through a closed construction zone can increase crash risk.
In a statement, Waymo said it had identified a performance issue around freeway construction zones and had already restricted freeway operations while working on improvements. The company said it notified state and federal regulators and chose to file a voluntary software recall. Waymo said its robotaxis continue to operate on surface streets in the cities where it provides service.
The company said it is developing a remedy and has limited freeway availability in the meantime. Waymo had offered freeway rides to users in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Miami.
The recall is Waymo’s second in a little over a month. In May, the company issued another voluntary recall after some robotaxis entered flooded areas or standing water. The company has also faced scrutiny over incidents involving school buses, including a January case in which a robotaxi illegally passed a stopped school bus, prompting an NHTSA investigation. In December, some Waymo vehicles stopped in traffic during power outages in San Francisco, contributing to congestion.
Waymo operates robotaxi service in 11 U.S. markets and provides limited access in cities. It is planning international expansions to London and Tokyo this year. Industry analyst Grayson Brulte described the recall as proactive, while noting that freeway expansion may remain limited until the fix is implemented and validated.