Waymo recalls massive autonomous fleet after incident flags major safety issue

May 13, 2026 - 10:52

Federal safety regulators have announced a recall affecting nearly the entire fleet of Waymo self-driving vehicles, citing a software issue that could pose significant risks in wet weather. The defect, identified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, may prevent the autonomous taxis from properly detecting and responding to flooded road conditions, potentially leading to crashes or injuries.

According to documents released by regulators, the problem lies in the vehicles' perception software. In certain scenarios, the system might fail to fully stop when encountering standing water or deep puddles. This could cause the cars to continue moving through hazardous conditions, increasing the likelihood of losing control or colliding with objects, pedestrians, or other vehicles. The recall covers 672 vehicles, essentially all of Waymo's active fleet in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

Waymo has stated that it is aware of several incidents linked to the flaw, though no injuries have been reported. The company plans to deploy a free over-the-air software update to all affected vehicles. This marks one of the largest recalls for the autonomous vehicle industry, highlighting ongoing challenges in perfecting self-driving technology for unpredictable real-world conditions. Regulators emphasize that drivers and passengers should remain cautious, even as the fix is rolled out.