Waymo self-driving software recalled for flooded roadway risk
Waymo's automated driving software in certain 5th and 6th generation systems may allow vehicles to drive onto flooded roadways, which can cause loss of control and increase crash risk. Waymo has already applied a temporary fix to all 3,791 affected vehicles by April 20, 2026, adding weather constraints and updating maps to avoid standing water.
From the NHTSA notice · Read the official notice ↗ · All Waymo LLC recalls
What to do
- If you operate a Waymo 5th or 6th generation autonomous vehicle, confirm you received the interim software update by April 20, 2026
- Avoid driving into areas with standing water or flooded roads until the permanent remedy is available
- Contact Waymo for details on the permanent fix timeline
Is yours affected?
Compare your label or packaging with the recalled product.
- Product
- ADS Software May Allow Vehicle to Drive onto a Flooded Roadway
Details
- Units affected
- 3791
- Recall number
- 26E026000
In the NHTSA's words
- Description
- Waymo LLC (Waymo) is recalling certain 5th and 6th Generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The software may allow the vehicle to slow and then drive into standing water on higher speed roadways. Entering a flooded roadway can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. The remedy is currently under development. As an interim remedy, Waymo modified the scope of vehicle operations to increase weather-related constraints and updated the vehicle maps. All affected vehicles received the interim update by April 20, 2026.
- Hazard
- Entering a flooded roadway can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- The remedy is currently under development. As an interim remedy, Waymo modified the scope of vehicle operations to increase weather-related constraints and updated the vehicle maps. All affected vehicles received the interim update by April 20, 2026.