Waymo recalled 672 vehicles earlier this month after discovering its automated driving system could fail to avoid poles or similar objects, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The recall pertained to certain 5th Generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS) with software versions released prior to May 29, and map software released prior to June 4. The Alphabet-owned robotaxi company updated its ADS software on June 6, according to the NHTSA recall notice.
Last month, NHSTA opened an investigation into Waymo after its Office of Defects Investigation received 22 reports about Waymo vehicles involving collisions with stationary and semi-stationary objects — such as gates and chains — collisions with parked vehicles and instances where the company’s automated driving system appeared to disobey traffic safety control devices.
The probe and latest recall follows the company’s February software update, prompted by an accident involving two of its ride-hailing vehicles in Phoenix in December.
Despite the challenges, Waymo has made progress, announcing Monday that its 5th Generation Waymo Driver provides more than 50,000 trips to paying riders weekly.
“To bring the benefits of our life-saving technology to even more people, please meet our 6th-generation Waymo Driver as it begins sensor testing and validation,” the post on X said.
