The recall covers 3,971 cars built between March 2022 and April 2026. An empty robotaxi in San Antonio drove into floodwater and was swept away. Sensors detected the water but the system kept going at reduced speed. Self-driving software can master a six-lane interchange in rush hour and still be undone by nature. Waymo is recalling nearly 3,800 of its US robotaxis because the cars do not know what to do when the road in front of them is underwater. The fix is still being written. The recall itself is a reminder of how much development separates a working autonomous fleet from a finished one. Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, has confirmed that on April 20, an empty robotaxi from its fleet drove onto a flooded road in San Antonio, Texas, and was promptly swept into a creek. Waymo says the vehicle detected the floodwater but pressed on regardless, albeit at a reduced speed. Read: Waymo’s Ready For One Of Europe’s Busiest Cities, But Is The City Ready? In a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Waymo confirms that vehicles running its fifth- and sixth-generation automated driving systems are affected. The action covers 3,971 Waymo-equipped vehicles built between March 17, 2022, and April 20, 2026. The Interim Fix Waymo notes that after the April 20 incident, it implemented additional operational restrictions in locations where there is an elevated risk of encountering flooded, higher-speed roads. However, this is only considered an “interim remedy,” and a final fix is still being developed. The robotaxi service operated by Waymo in San Antonio, Texas, will remain suspended until the software fix is ready. Waymo’s UK Expansion Off To A Rocky Start This incident happened at an inopportune time for the company. In January, Waymo announced its plans to launch in London, and last month, a trial of the vehicles started in the bustling city. Things have already gotten off to a rocky start after one of the robotaxis was seen driving through a police cordon as local authorities were investigating a double stabbing. The vehicle was being controlled by a human operator at the time, who has since been suspended by Waymo.
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