Waymo has issued a recall covering its entire fleet of fifth-generation robotaxis after incidents showed the vehicles entering closed freeway construction zones at speed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported the action on vehicles operating in Phoenix and San Francisco. The company plans software updates and new protocols to address the issue.
The recall affects 3,871 Jaguar vehicles equipped with Waymo's fifth-generation Autonomous Driving System. Incidents occurred in April in Phoenix, Arizona, and in May in San Francisco, where the cars prioritized other hazards or failed to recognize construction zones.
Waymo will implement software improvements to better detect and avoid construction zones, along with additional operational protocols. The changes aim to enhance performance around freeway work areas, according to the NHTSA report.
Sixth-generation vehicles currently being rolled out are not included in the recall. A Waymo representative did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
This marks the company's fourth safety recall since February 2024.
