TL;DR
Waymo is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,800 robotaxis in the U.S. to address software issues that caused vehicles to drive onto flooded roads. The recall follows recent incidents, including one where a vehicle was swept into a creek during flooding. The move aims to improve safety amid ongoing operational challenges.
Waymo is recalling about 3,800 of its robotaxis across the U.S. to address software issues that could cause vehicles to drive into flooded roads, following recent incidents involving vehicles stalling in water. The move is a safety precaution amid ongoing operational challenges for the autonomous vehicle company.
The voluntary recall involves Waymo vehicles equipped with its fifth and sixth generation automated driving systems, according to a letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall was prompted by recent sightings of Waymo vehicles in Austin, Texas, driving onto flooded streets and stalling, which required other drivers to navigate around them. Similar incidents have been reported in other locations, including San Antonio, Texas, where a Waymo vehicle was swept into a creek during flooding on April 20, 2026.
Waymo stated that it identified an area of improvement related to untraversable flooded lanes on higher-speed roads and has filed a voluntary software recall with NHTSA. The company is working on additional software safeguards and has implemented measures to limit where its vehicles operate during extreme weather events, aiming to avoid areas prone to flash flooding during heavy rain. Currently, Waymo operates a commercial robotaxi service in 11 U.S. markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Miami, with some services available to select riders.
Why It Matters
This recall highlights ongoing safety concerns surrounding autonomous vehicles, especially in adverse weather conditions. It underscores the importance of robust software systems and operational safeguards for public acceptance and regulatory approval. The incidents and subsequent recall may influence public perception, regulatory scrutiny, and future development of autonomous vehicle technology.
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Background
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, has been expanding its autonomous vehicle fleet and operations across the U.S., with increasing public access. Past incidents include vehicles failing to yield to school buses in Austin and halting in traffic during power outages in San Francisco, raising questions about safety and reliability. The recent flooding incidents further emphasize the challenges AV companies face in ensuring safety across diverse environments and 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
“The recall is a precautionary measure to address potential software vulnerabilities that could lead to vehicles driving into flooded areas.”
— NHTSA official
What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear how widespread the specific software issue is across all Waymo vehicles or whether additional incidents may occur before the software updates are fully implemented. The timeline for the completion of the recall and the resumption of full service in all markets remains uncertain.
What’s Next
Waymo is expected to roll out software updates to affected vehicles and conduct safety inspections before resuming full operations. The company may also enhance weather-related operational safeguards and continue monitoring vehicle performance during adverse conditions. Regulatory agencies are likely to oversee the implementation of these measures.
Key Questions
What caused the recall of these Waymo vehicles?
The recall was triggered by software vulnerabilities that could allow vehicles to drive into standing water, as identified after recent incidents where vehicles stalled or were swept away during flooding.
How many vehicles are affected by this recall?
Approximately 3,800 Waymo robotaxis across the United States are included in the recall.
Will Waymo vehicles operate in flood-prone areas again?
Waymo has implemented measures to limit operations during extreme weather and is working on software safeguards, but it is not yet clear when full operations will resume in all areas.
What safety measures is Waymo implementing?
Waymo is developing additional software safeguards, conducting safety inspections, and limiting operations in areas with flash flooding risks during heavy rain.
