Waymo recalls thousands of robot taxis after one was swept away by floodwaters

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Technology company Waymo is recalling nearly 3,800 robotaxis that rely on its automated steering system in the US because the vehicles experienced difficulties understanding flooded conditions. One of the robot taxis was even swept away by floodwaters, prompting the company to recall them for repairs.

Citing a report from Carscoops, Thursday (15/5), this situation serves as a reminder that the development of automated steering systems is sometimes separate from the development of its hardware.

On April 20, 2026, the company found an empty robotaxi from its fleet driving on a flooded road in San Antonio, Texas and was immediately swept into a river. According to Waymo, the vehicle had actually detected the flood, but the journey continued at a low speed.

The recall includes 3,971 vehicles equipped with Waymo that were produced between March 17, 2022 and April 20, 2026. Waymo stated that after the April 20 incident, they implemented additional operational restrictions in locations with a high risk of encountering flooded roads.

The robotaxi recall occurred at an inopportune time for the company. In January 2026, Waymo announced its plans to operate in London, England. Last month, trials of the vehicles began in the bustling city and turned out less smoothly after one of Waymo’s robot taxis was seen breaking through a line of police officers while local authorities were investigating a double stabbing case.

After investigation, the vehicle was found to be controlled by a human operator at the time and has since been suspended by Waymo.