Waymo recalls thousands of robotaxis after some vehicles entered freeway construction zones

Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis after its self-driving software repeatedly failed to recognize ramp closures and construction zones in incidents in Arizona and California, according to a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall covers Waymo's fifth generation Automated Driving System powering Jaguar vehicles. The NHTSA notes all recalled vehicles are believed to have the defect, which in some circumstances could cause a Waymo vehicle to enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones due to misprioritizing hazards or failing to recognize the construction area. Waymo had expanded freeway driving last year to San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles. Incidents occurred in Phoenix (six cases) and the San Francisco Bay Area (seven cases) in May. A May incident involved a Waymo vehicle driving into a residential neighborhood after exiting the freeway; Waymo offered three free rides, up to $40 each, to affected riders.

The agency emphasizes that driving at speed through construction zones raises collision risks. The recall involves the Jaguar-equipped fleet and underscores ongoing safety challenges as autonomous driving expands on public roads.