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Waymo, a pioneer in autonomous vehicle technology, has initiated a recall for its 5th Generation Automated Driving System (ADS) software. This action, logged under NHTSA Campaign Number 25E034000, targets a software flaw that could lead vehicles to collide with roadway barriers like chains and gates. Affecting 1,212 units, the recall addresses a critical safety concern, though no injuries have been reported. Waymo has already updated the software across all affected vehicles, completing the fix by December 26, 2024.
Key Highlights:
- Recall Identification: NHTSA 25E034000, Manufacturer R25-001
- Component Involved: 5th Generation ADS software (pre-November 7, 2024)
- Units Impacted: 1,212
- Issue: Software may cause collisions with barriers such as chains and gates
- Solution: Software update deployed by December 26, 2024
- Risk: Increased chance of injury from barrier collisions
The software defect surfaced after incidents where Waymo vehicles struck barriers, prompting scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). On May 13, 2024, NHTSA launched a Preliminary Evaluation into Waymo’s ADS, referencing collisions with stationary objects like gates. Waymo had already been refining its software to tackle these issues, with improvements underway before the investigation started.
The company rolled out a corrected software version on November 7, 2024, which was fully implemented across its fleet by late December 2024. This update significantly lowers the risk of barrier collisions. On May 1, 2025, Waymo’s Safety Board formalized the recall to comply with regulatory standards, showcasing its dedication to safety.
Since Waymo owns all affected vehicles, it managed the update process directly, requiring no action from individual owners. For additional details, contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov. This recall underscores Waymo’s proactive stance on enhancing the safety of its autonomous driving technology.
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