Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis over risk of entering highway construction zones

Waymo has recalled nearly 4,000 autonomous vehicles to restrict highway driving while it addresses how robotaxis navigate construction zones. The recall follows at least 13 incidents where robotaxis entered closed freeway sections, six in Phoenix in April and seven in San Francisco in May. The NHTSA says the fifth-generation self-driving system could speed into active construction zones if it fails to detect closures or prioritizes other hazards. Waymo voluntarily restricted freeway operations last month and filed a software recall with NHTSA. This marks Waymo’s sixth recall, following prior actions addressing flooded roads and interactions with school buses, amid ongoing investigations by NHTSA and NTSB.