Waymo is recalling nearly 3,900 robotaxis to fix a software issue that caused some vehicles to enter active freeway construction zones and continue driving at speed, according to recall notices filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall affects Waymo’s 5th -generation automated driving system (ADS), and NHTSA said all of the recalled vehicles are believed to have the defect. The issue stems from how the autonomous vehicles respond in certain scenarios. “Under certain circumstances, the [autonomous vehicle] may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones due to inappropriately prioritizing the avoidance of other freeway hazards and/or failing to recognize the construction zone,” the recall notice states. NHTSA added that driving at speed in a freeway construction zone “increases the potential for collisions.” The recall follows 13 known incidents. Six occurred in Phoenix in April, when Waymo vehicles drove into closed freeway construction zones. Seven more incidents took place in San Francisco in May, where robotaxis entered freeway lanes with active construction, according to NHTSA’s report filed Thursday. Waymo temporarily restricted robotaxis from operating on freeways while it investigated the issue. Its Safety Board reviewed the incidents on June 1 and decided to initiate a recall on June 8. The company said it is developing a “remedy” to address the problem. In the meantime, it has limited robotaxi availability on freeways. Prior to the restriction, Waymo had been serving public riders on freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Miami. This is not the first recall involving Waymo vehicles. The company previously recalled cars for crashing into a pole in Phoenix in 2024, passing stopped school buses in December 2025, and stopping in floodwater in Atlanta in May. Waymo currently operates a commercial robotaxi service in 11 U.S. markets and offers access to select riders in several cities. The company is also planning its first international expansions later this year, with launches expected in London and Tokyo. ...read more read less