Waymo has recalled 1,200 self-driving vehicles due to minor collisions involving robotaxis and gate-like objects, including gates, chains, and other obstacles, prompting a software update to prevent such incidents.

As reported by Reuters, the software recall, which occurred late last year, was disclosed in documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the documents, Waymo’s Safety Board decided to conduct the recall to fulfill regulatory obligations related to the specific version of the driverless software.

The NHTSA had initiated a preliminary evaluation into Waymo’s automated driving system in May of last year after becoming aware of seven incidents involving robotaxis colliding with stationary objects, such as gates and chains, between December 2022 and April 2024. Fortunately, none of these incidents resulted in any injuries, as stated by the NHTSA.

In response to these incidents, Waymo implemented a software update in November 2024 for its fleet of 1,200 robotaxis at the time, significantly reducing the likelihood of similar events. Currently, Waymo operates 1,500 commercial robotaxis in cities including Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco.

According to the documents filed with NHTSA, software updates were already in progress when the agency’s examination began. Waymo had ongoing discussions with NHTSA regarding the evaluation of comparative risk for autonomous vehicles and provided additional information about nine more collisions involving similar barriers, which occurred between February 2024 and December 2024.

This is not the first recall issued by Waymo, as the company has previously recalled software in two other instances. In June 2024, Waymo issued a software recall for its Jaguar I-Pace robotaxis after one collided with a telephone pole. Additionally, in February 2024, the company recalled software after two of its robotaxis crashed into a pickup truck being towed by a tow truck, as also reported in other instances.