Waymo Recalls 1,200 Robotaxis After Minor Collisions
Waymo issued a software recall for approximately 1,200 of its autonomous vehicles following a series of minor collisions. These incidents involved low-speed impacts with gates, chains, and other similar roadway obstructions.
The recall, addressing a specific version of the driverless software, was conducted late last year to comply with regulatory reporting obligations. This was confirmed in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
NHTSA Investigation and Software Update
The NHTSA opened a preliminary evaluation into Waymo's automated driving system in May after reports of seven collisions with stationary or semi-stationary objects between December 2022 and April 2024. No injuries were reported in these incidents.
Waymo subsequently released a software update in November 2024 to its then 1,200-vehicle fleet. This update significantly reduced the likelihood of similar incidents, according to documents filed with the NHTSA. Waymo currently operates 1,500 commercial robotaxis across Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco.
Waymo was already working on software updates when the NHTSA began its investigation. The company maintained open communication with the NHTSA, providing information on nine additional collisions with similar barriers between February 2024 and December 2024.
Previous Waymo Recalls
This isn't Waymo's first recall. The company has issued at least two other recalls for its autonomous vehicles:
