Waymo is recalling 3,871 of its fifth-generation automated driving systems in the United States after identifying a software issue that could allow vehicles to enter closed freeway construction zones.
According to the recall notice, the software may fail to recognize certain construction-related road closures, potentially allowing a self-driving vehicle to continue traveling through an active work zone at highway speeds.
Waymo said it is developing a software fix to address the issue. In the meantime, the company has restricted freeway operations for affected vehicles as a precaution.
The planned update will improve the system's ability to detect and avoid construction zones. The software upgrade will be provided at no cost.
No additional details about crashes or injuries related to the issue were included in the recall summary.