Toronto, Ontario — Alphabet-owned autonomous vehicle company Waymo has initiated a recall of its 5th generation automated driving system software due to a safety defect that could cause autonomous vehicles to collide with roadway barriers such as chains and gates. This recall, registered under NHTSA Campaign Number 25E034000, affects 1,212 units.
The issue pertains to the ADS software versions deployed before November 7, 2024. In certain scenarios, the system’s object detection and response mechanisms may not adequately recognize or react to specific barriers, increasing the risk of collisions. Although there have been no reported injuries associated with these incidents, the potential for harm prompted the recall.
Waymo addressed the defect by releasing an updated version of the ADS software on November 7, 2024. This update, which enhances the system’s ability to detect and respond to gate-like barriers, was fully deployed across the affected fleet by December 26, 2024. Since all impacted vehicles are owned and operated by Waymo, the company managed the software updates internally, eliminating the need for public notifications or dealer interventions.
This recall underscores the challenges in developing and refining autonomous vehicle technologies, particularly in ensuring the systems can handle a wide range of real-world scenarios. Waymo’s proactive approach in identifying and rectifying the issue reflects the company’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
