Waymo Recalls 3,800 Robotaxis Due to Flooding Hazard in U.S.
Waymo, the autonomous vehicle division of Alphabet, has issued a voluntary recall for approximately 3,800 robotaxis in the United States. The recall addresses a software issue in the company's fifth and sixth generation automated driving systems (ADS) that could allow vehicles to drive onto flooded roadways. This decision follows incidents in Austin, Texas, where Waymo vehicles were seen stalling on flooded streets, creating hazards for other drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been informed of the recall, which aims to improve the vehicles' ability to detect and avoid untraversable flooded lanes, particularly on higher-speed roadways. Waymo has also implemented operational restrictions to prevent its robotaxis from entering areas prone to flash flooding during heavy rain. The company operates in 11 U.S. markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Miami, and provides over half a million trips weekly. 
