Waymo recalls 3,800 robotaxis after able 'drive into standing water'
CNBC • • business
Key Points:
- Waymo is voluntarily recalling about 3,800 robotaxis in the U.S. to fix software issues that could cause the vehicles to drive onto flooded roadways, according to a letter from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- The recall affects Waymo vehicles using the company's fifth and sixth generation automated driving systems and follows incidents where vehicles stalled after driving into flooded streets, including in Austin, Texas.
- Waymo has faced criticism for other safety concerns, such as failing to yield to school buses in Austin and causing gridlock during power outages in San Francisco.
- The company stated it is implementing software improvements and additional safeguards, including limiting robotaxi operations during extreme weather to avoid flash flooding areas.
- Waymo currently operates commercial robotaxi services in 11 U.S. markets, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and Miami, with varying levels of public access.