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Waymo Recalls Robotaxis Over Driving Through Work Zones
Vehicles Failed to Recognize Freeway Construction Zones in 13 Instances in Phoenix, San Francisco
Key Takeaways:
- Waymo recalled 3,871 robotaxis after software failed to detect freeway construction zones, leading vehicles to enter active work areas in Phoenix and San Francisco.
- The issue occurred in 13 cases without injuries, highlighting ongoing safety challenges for autonomous vehicles despite Waymo’s claims its technology outperforms human drivers.
- Waymo suspended freeway driving and is developing software updates and safeguards to prevent similar incidents while continuing limited service on surface streets.
Waymo is recalling thousands of its robotaxis to fix a software issue that could cause the autonomous vehicles to enter and drive at speed through freeway construction zones.
The Alphabet Inc. unit’s vehicles failed to recognize freeway construction zones in 13 instances in Phoenix and San Francisco in April and May, according to a June 17 filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The company plans to update its self-driving software to detect when vehicles are in work zones and avoid entering them, according to a separate filing. The remedy is still under development. It’s the company’s second recall since May.
In six events in Phoenix, the self-driving cars did not recognize and drove past ramp closure signs into pre-planned work zones on the freeway. In San Francisco, seven vehicles entered freeway lanes with active construction by “driving between cones designating lane closure in the adjacent lane,” as they inappropriately prioritized avoiding other freeway hazards, according to the filing.
While no collisions or injuries have occurred as a result of the behavior, Waymo suspended freeway driving in May while working on software improvements to address the issue. The company did not disclose details of the specific construction zone incidents at the time. Waymo filed a voluntary software recall for its 3,871 vehicles over the matter on June 12.
Waymo said it is working on additional software safeguards around the issue, and is continuing to serve riders on surface streets in markets where it operates.
⚠️ Recall Alert
Waymo 5th Generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS)
Recalled for software allowing vehicles to enter and drive in freeway construction zoneshttps://t.co/vZHX7MG3r3 — NHTSA Recalls & Ratings (@NHTSArecalls) June 18, 2026
Waymo issued a separate recall in May, after its software failed to stop vehicles from driving into flooded roads, underscoring the real-world challenges that robotaxis still need to overcome.
Waymo was the first robotaxi company to offer rides with freeway routes last November. It plans to expand commercial service to 20 cities this year.
The company maintains that its self-driving technology statistically outperforms human drivers, and is able to reduce property damage claims and bodily injury claims.
