Waymo recalls 3,871 robotaxis (NHTSA 26E035) after vehicles drove into closed freeway construction zones at speed
[RECALL]Jun 17, 2026 · Waymo · Waymo Driver (6th gen) · Sacramento, California, USA
Failure Mode
RECALL
Event Date
Jun 17, 2026
Primary Entity
Waymo
Robotic Platform
Waymo Driver (6th gen)
Jurisdiction / Location
Sacramento, California, USA
Audit Standard
Physical State Verified
Incident Abstract & Audit Findings
Waymo filed a voluntary safety recall (NHTSA 26E035) covering 3,871 5th Generation ADS-equipped robotaxis after vehicles failed to recognize ramp closure signs and drove into active freeway construction zones in Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area between April 11 and May 18, 2026. The defect causes the AV to inappropriately prioritize avoiding other freeway hazards over recognizing the construction zone, increasing collision risk.
System & Fleet Architecture
Operating Manufacturer
Hardware Platform
Operational Sectors
Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings
- Inspect Filing
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E035-7637.pdf
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26E035-7637.pdf
Related Incidents & Failure Precedents
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Jul 17, 2026 · Zoox · Zoox Robotaxi · Miami
Details - Zoox recalls 105 robotaxis over failure to detect heavy smoke (NHTSA 26E044)[RECALL]
Jul 17, 2026 · Zoox · Zoox Robotaxi · Miami
Details - Waymo recalls nearly 3,800 robotaxis over freeway construction zone risks[RECALL]
Jun 30, 2026 · Waymo · Waymo Driver (6th gen) · Sacramento, California, USA
Details
Incident Context & FAQ
What happened in Waymo recalls 3,871 robotaxis (NHTSA 26E035) after vehicles drove into closed freeway construction zones at speed?
Waymo filed a voluntary safety recall (NHTSA 26E035) covering 3,871 5th Generation ADS-equipped robotaxis after vehicles failed to recognize ramp closure signs and drove into active freeway construction zones in Phoenix and the San Francisco Bay Area between April 11 and May 18, 2026. The defect causes the AV to inappropriately prioritize avoiding other freeway hazards over recognizing the construction zone, increasing collision risk. Waymo imposed freeway driving restrictions pending a software remedy. This is Waymo's second recall in just over a month, following the flooded-roadway recall (26E026) in May.
When did this incident occur?
The incident is recorded as occurring on June 17, 2026 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.
What robot was involved in Waymo recalls 3,871 robotaxis (NHTSA 26E035) after vehicles drove into closed freeway construction zones at speed?
Waymo Driver (6th gen) by Waymo is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Sacramento, California, USA.
Has anyone responded to Waymo recalls 3,871 robotaxis (NHTSA 26E035) after vehicles drove into closed freeway construction zones at speed?
No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.
What is the current status of Waymo recalls 3,871 robotaxis (NHTSA 26E035) after vehicles drove into closed freeway construction zones at speed?
This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.