Waymo Recalls Over 3,800 Robotaxis Over Freeway Construction Zone Issue
5 verified7 unconfirmed2 contested
Waymo has recalled over 3,800 of its autonomous robotaxis due to a software issue that may cause them to drive into closed freeway construction zones at highway speed. The company voluntarily filed the recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and has restricted freeway driving for the fleet. Waymo is working on a software fix. This is the second recall for the company in just over a month; a previous recall in May 2026 involved a robotaxi driving onto a flooded road.
What’s verified
Waymo filed a voluntary recall with NHTSA for over 3,800 robotaxis.
The recall addresses a software issue that may cause the vehicles to enter closed freeway construction zones at speed.
Waymo has restricted freeway driving for its fleet.
Waymo is developing a software fix.
This is the second recall for Waymo in recent months; a previous recall in May 2026 involved a robotaxi driving into a flooded road.
Where accounts differ
The start date for Waymo's highway rides is reported differently: one source says the company began offering highway rides in late 2025, while another says Waymo was first allowed to operate on freeways in Phoenix in 2024, initially with safety drivers and later with paying customers.
One source states that specific incidents on April 11, April 19, and May 18, 2026 prompted the recall, while another source says it is not known whether any incident led to the recall.
Not yet confirmed
The exact number of vehicles affected is 3,871, according to one report.
No collisions or injuries were reported from the incidents, according to one report.
The software fix is not yet developed and a permanent remedy is under development, according to one report.
The recall does not affect Waymo's 6th Generation vehicles, according to one report.
This is Waymo's fourth safety recall since February 2024, according to one report.
Waymo's fleet has been involved in 92 percent fewer serious injury crashes compared to human drivers, according to one report.
Previous recalls also included issues with school bus stop signs, according to one report.
Key figures
Waymo (Alphabet)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Sources: Wired, engadget.com
