Waymo's robotaxis continue to encounter new obstacles, with construction zones being the most recent addition.

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      There have been thirteen incidents in construction zones, one fleet recall, and a passenger who felt like disaster was imminent.

      Waymo has issued a recall for its entire fleet of nearly 4,000 robotaxis to prevent them from operating on highways after discovering at least 13 cases where their vehicles entered highway sections that were closed for construction.

      This marks the company's sixth recall in less than a year and comes on the heels of other issues with flooded roads, power poles, chains and gates, towed trucks, and school buses.

      So, what exactly transpired on the highway?

      The incidents occurred in two waves. In April 2026, six robotaxis ignored ramp closure signs and drove directly into active construction zones in Phoenix, Arizona. The software failed to detect the closure signs at all.

      In May, another seven robotaxis exhibited similar behavior in the San Francisco Bay Area. This time, the software focused on avoiding other hazards on the highway, overlooking the construction zone (according to TechCrunch).

      A passenger's account from May 19, shared with CBS News, illustrates how these experiences feel from within. The rider described their robotaxi as having “blasted through cones,” being pursued by police, and accelerating when noticing flashing lights.

      In response, Waymo offered the passenger three complimentary rides, each valued at up to $40. The company had already prohibited all its vehicles from highway operations on May 19, the day after the San Francisco incidents, and is actively working on a solution, as noted in NHTSA filings. However, its robotaxis continue to operate on surface streets.

      Should you genuinely be concerned about riding in a Waymo?

      Waymo asserts that its vehicles have traveled over 170 million miles autonomously and claims a 13-fold decrease in serious injury crashes when compared to human drivers.

      The company's recalls are voluntary, signifying that it is identifying, flagging, and attempting to rectify its own issues rather than waiting for regulatory authorities to intervene.

      Nonetheless, the NHTSA and the National Transportation Safety Board are already investigating Waymo’s actions regarding school buses following an incident in January.

      A sixth recall, occurring while that investigation is still ongoing, does not bode well for a company intending to expand into over 20 cities this year.

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