Google parent company Alphabet (GOOGL) is recalling 3,800 robotaxis in the U.S. to fix software issues that sent them driving onto flooded roadways and into standing water.
The recall by Alphabet’s self-driving car unit Waymo comes after a letter was issued to the company by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The voluntary recall is for Waymo vehicles that use the company’s fifth and sixth generation automated driving systems.
Waymo autonomous vehicles in Austin, Texas were recently caught on camera driving onto a flooded street and stalling, requiring other drivers to navigate around them, creating a hazard.
Similar incidents have occurred in other locations across America. This is the latest in a series of safety issues for Alphabet’s self-driving vehicle unit.
The technology giant has received criticism for its vehicles failing to yield to school buses and for the performance of its vehicles during widespread power outages.
The company said in a written statement that it’s undertaking a “voluntary software recall” to fix the latest problem related to standing water.
Through Waymo, Alphabet currently operates self-driving robotaxis in 11 U.S. cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin and Miami.
GOOGL stock has gained 143% over the last 12 months to trade at $387.35 U.S. per share.
Tech Insider
