Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis after their self-driving software failed to recognize ramp closures and construction zones in incidents that occurred in Arizona and California. According to a recall notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue affects vehicles using Waymo's fifth-generation automated driving system.
Key Takeaways
Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis after their self-driving software failed to recognize ramp closures and construction zones in Arizona and California. The recall affects vehicles using Waymo's fifth-generation automated driving system.
- Waymo recalls almost 3,900 robotaxis due to software issues
- Incidents occurred in Phoenix and San Francisco areas
- Software defect causes vehicles to enter freeway construction zones at speed
- NHTSA warns of increased collision risk in construction zones
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▼Source Claims Check
1 Difference FoundAll 3 publishers report consistent facts across 3 key claims. 1 point of difference noted.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Defect Description | 1 Difference | CBS News and Reuters describe the defect as prioritizing hazard avoidance; CNBC reports it as a general software issue | ▼ |
| Number Of Vehicles Recalled | Broad Agreement | Nearly 3,900 robotaxis recalled | |
| Incident Locations | Broad Agreement | Incidents occurred in Phoenix and San Francisco areas | |
| Number Of Incidents | Broad Agreement | 13 known incidents involving construction zones |
Software Defect Description
▼CBS News and Reuters describe the defect as prioritizing hazard avoidance; CNBC reports it as a general software issue
Number Of Vehicles Recalled
Broad AgreementNearly 3,900 robotaxis recalled
Incident Locations
Broad AgreementIncidents occurred in Phoenix and San Francisco areas
Number Of Incidents
Broad Agreement13 known incidents involving construction zones
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
The recall comes after Waymo reviewed incidents that took place in April and May in Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area. The autonomous driving company temporarily restricted robotaxis from driving on freeways while it investigated the issue, as reported by CBS News. According to NHTSA, "Under certain circumstances, the [autonomous vehicle] may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones due to inappropriately prioritizing the avoidance of other freeway hazards and/or failing to recognize the construction zone."
The incidents included six in Phoenix, where Waymo robotaxis failed to recognize ramp-closure signs and drove into freeway construction zones. In May, another seven Waymo vehicles entered freeway lanes with active construction in the San Francisco area, driving between cones marking closures in adjacent lanes.
The recall impacts Waymo's fleet of Jaguar vehicles. The NHTSA said all of the recalled vehicles are believed to have the software defect. In one incident reported by CBS News, Elliot Slade described a harrowing experience where a Waymo vehicle sped through a construction zone and was chased by police, eventually veering into a residential neighborhood.
Waymo plans to update the ADS software to detect construction zones and avoid entering them free of charge. The company has also limited robotaxi availability for use on freeways until the issue is resolved. This recall follows another voluntary recall in May after some Waymo robotaxis drove into flooded zones or standing water, as reported by CNBC.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 3 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.