If you're searching for why Waymo recalled 1,200 self-driving robotaxis in 2025, the answer lies in a series of low-speed crashes involving the company's autonomous vehicles and stationary objects like gates, chains, and poles. The Alphabet-owned company, which leads the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry, initiated the recall to address software issues in its fleet of robotaxis after multiple minor incidents triggered regulatory scrutiny. These events raise important questions about the safety and reliability of autonomous driving technology as it becomes more mainstream in cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, Austin, and Los Angeles.
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Waymo initiated a voluntary software recall affecting 1,200 vehicles in late 2024. This recall came after seven confirmed incidents in which its self-driving cars collided with gate-like or semi-stationary objects. Although no injuries were reported, the NHTSA launched a preliminary investigation in May 2024 to assess the risk profile of Waymo's automated driving system.
The root of the problem? Software misjudgment when detecting certain roadside objects. In response, Waymo rolled out a comprehensive software update to correct these navigation issues. The company stated that the new software significantly reduces the chances of similar collisions, enhancing safety standards for its growing fleet of driverless vehicles. By the time of the recall, Waymo had already increased its operational fleet to 1,500 autonomous vehicles.
While the software update was already in progress when regulators began their evaluation, Waymo proactively disclosed nine additional incidents that occurred between February and December 2024. This transparency underscores Waymo's ongoing collaboration with federal regulators and its commitment to evolving AV technology in a safe and accountable manner.
This isn’t Waymo’s first software recall. In June 2024, the company recalled several Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis after one crashed into a telephone pole. Earlier that year, in February, two robotaxis collided with a pickup truck being towed, prompting another recall. These cases highlight the complexities of autonomous navigation, especially in unpredictable real-world environments.
As self-driving cars move closer to full commercial deployment, autonomous vehicle safety, robotaxi liability, and driverless software risk management are gaining prominence among regulators, insurers, and urban mobility planners.
Waymo’s recall reinforces the importance of iterative software development in the AV space. As regulators and manufacturers refine what safety and compliance mean in the era of driverless transport, consumers can expect even more robust safety protocols — powered by data, real-world learning, and transparent reporting.
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