TL;DR
Waymo is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,800 robotaxis in the U.S. to fix software flaws that may cause vehicles to drive into standing water. The recall follows recent incidents, including a vehicle swept into a creek in San Antonio.
Waymo is recalling about 3,800 robotaxis across the United States to fix software issues that could cause the vehicles to drive onto flooded roads, according to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall follows recent incidents where Waymo vehicles entered flooded streets, including one in San Antonio where a vehicle was swept into a creek.
The recall involves Waymo vehicles equipped with its fifth and sixth generation autonomous driving systems. The company identified a specific software vulnerability that could allow vehicles to navigate into untraversable flooded lanes, particularly on higher-speed roadways. In a statement, Waymo confirmed that it has filed a voluntary recall with the NHTSA to address this issue.
Recent incidents include a Waymo vehicle in Austin, Texas, that drove onto a flooded street and stalled, requiring other drivers to maneuver around it. Additionally, in San Antonio, a Waymo vehicle entered a flooded road on April 20 and was swept into a creek with no passengers onboard, prompting a NHTSA investigation and the latest recall. The company acknowledged these safety concerns and said it is working on additional software safeguards and mitigations.
Why It Matters
This development is significant because it highlights ongoing safety challenges faced by autonomous vehicle operators as they expand into complex urban environments. The recall reflects efforts to prevent accidents related to weather-related hazards, which are a critical concern as autonomous vehicle deployment increases. The incidents also raise questions about the reliability of current autonomous driving systems in adverse conditions, impacting public trust and regulatory scrutiny.
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Background
Waymo has been rapidly expanding its autonomous vehicle fleet, operating in 11 U.S. markets including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Miami. The company’s vehicles have faced previous safety criticisms, such as failing to yield to school buses and halting during power outages in San Francisco in December 2025. The recent incidents, including the San Antonio flooding event, have intensified focus on the safety and robustness of Waymo’s autonomous systems during extreme weather conditions.
“Waymo provides over half a million trips every week in some of the most challenging driving environments across the U.S., and safety is our primary priority.”
— Waymo spokesperson
“We identified an area of improvement regarding untraversable flooded lanes specific to higher-speed roadways, and we are taking proactive steps to address it.”
— Waymo official
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What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear how many additional incidents may occur as the recall is implemented, or how effective the new safeguards will be in preventing future flooding-related accidents. Details about the timeline for full system updates and operational resumption in all affected markets are still emerging.
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What’s Next
Waymo is expected to roll out software updates across its fleet in the coming weeks, with ongoing monitoring of vehicle performance in flood-prone areas. The company also plans to resume operations in San Antonio once the vehicles are deemed safe to operate again, and will likely provide further updates on safety measures and incident reports.
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Key Questions
What specific software issues caused the vehicles to drive into flooded areas?
Waymo has not disclosed detailed technical specifics but confirmed a software vulnerability related to untraversable flooded lanes on higher-speed roads that could lead vehicles into dangerous conditions.
Will the recall affect all Waymo vehicles in the U.S.?
The recall specifically targets approximately 3,800 vehicles equipped with the fifth and sixth generation autonomous systems. It is a voluntary safety measure to address identified risks.
When will the affected vehicles be safe to operate again?
Waymo has not provided an exact timeline but indicated that software updates and safety checks are underway, with a goal of resuming operations in affected markets once deemed safe.
Could this issue impact Waymo’s reputation or future operations?
The company’s response aims to mitigate safety concerns and demonstrate commitment to safety, but the incidents may influence public perception and regulatory oversight.
