Waymo is recalling 3,800 robotaxi vehicles nationwide after software glitches allowed autonomous cars to enter flooded roadways. The Alphabet-owned company voluntarily recalled vehicles using its fifth and sixth generation automated driving systems. This safety intervention follows several incidents where robotaxis drove onto submerged streets in Austin and other cities, creating traffic hazards and requiring human intervention.

Recent camera footage captured Waymo vehicles stalling in Austin floodwaters while other drivers navigated around them. A more serious incident occurred in San Antonio, where a robotaxi entered a flooded roadway and was swept away, triggering a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigation. The company faces ongoing criticism for safety lapses, including failing to yield to school buses and causing gridlock during San Francisco power outages.

Waymo acknowledged the issue, stating it's implementing "additional software safeguards" and limiting operations during extreme weather conditions. The company currently operates commercial service in 11 U.S. markets, with San Antonio service temporarily suspended while fixes are deployed. With over half a million weekly trips across challenging environments, this recall highlights the persistent safety challenges facing autonomous vehicle deployment in real-world conditions.