Waymo recalls nearly 4,000 robotaxis to stop them driving into highway construction zones

Waymo has announced a recall affecting nearly 4,000 of its robotaxis as part of efforts to prevent the vehicles from entering highway construction zones. The decision follows the discovery of at least 13 instances where these autonomous vehicles drove into sections of highways that were closed for construction. Notably, six of these incidents occurred in Phoenix, Arizona in April, while seven were reported in San Francisco, California in May. On May 19, Waymo temporarily halted all freeway operations, as the company continues to develop a software fix to address the issue. Although the vehicles are still operational on surface streets, they have been taken offline during severe weather conditions that may lead to flooding. In a statement to TechCrunch, the company acknowledged the need for improvement in handling freeway construction zones, emphasizing their commitment to safety. This recall marks the sixth issued by Waymo for its robotaxi fleet. Earlier this year, the company had to address incidents where its vehicles drove into flooded roads and encountered issues with school bus regulations. Previous recalls also addressed low-speed collisions with various obstacles, including chains and gates, as well as problems involving towed trucks. Waymo's autonomous driving technology is currently under scrutiny by both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Transportation Safety Board, particularly in light of an incident in January where a robotaxi struck a child near a school. Despite these challenges, Waymo reports that its vehicles have autonomously traveled over 170 million miles, boasting a significant reduction in serious crashes compared to human drivers. As part of its aggressive expansion plans, Waymo intends to launch its services in over 20 cities this year, including major metropolitan areas like London and Tokyo. However, the rapid growth has revealed several edge cases where the robotaxi software has struggled, including the recent construction zone incidents. Waymo initially began offering highway rides in November 2025. Following a detailed review, the company’s Field Safety Committee restricted freeway operations in Phoenix while working on a solution. Documents from the NHTSA indicate that on May 18, several Waymo robotaxis entered active construction zones in the San Francisco Bay Area due to the software prioritizing avoidance of other hazards without recognizing the construction area. Video footage of these events has circulated on social media, including reports of a Waymo vehicle speeding through traffic cones, which led to concern from passengers. One user, who shared their experience, described the terrifying moment as the vehicle ignored several construction signs and lights. In response, Waymo has offered affected passengers complimentary rides as a gesture of goodwill.