Waymo LLC is recalling certain 5th and 6th Generation Automated Driving Systems

May 01, 2026 — Recall Campaign #26E026000

Waymo LLC (Waymo) is recalling certain 5th and 6th Generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The software may allow the vehicle to slow and then drive into standing water on higher speed roadways.

The recall was influenced by the Office of Defects Investigation with about 3,791 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

26E026000

Manufacturer:	Waymo LLC
Recall date:	May 01, 2026
NHTSA Campaign #:	26E026000
Units affected:	3,791

Description:: Waymo LLC (Waymo) is recalling certain 5th and 6th Generation Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The software may allow the vehicle to slow and then drive into standing water on higher speed roadways.
Consequeces:: Entering a flooded roadway can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Corrective action:: The remedy is currently under development. As an interim remedy, Waymo modified the scope of vehicle operations to increase weather-related constraints and updated the vehicle maps. All affected vehicles received the interim update by April 20, 2026.

Affects the following:

0 WAYMO 5TH GENERATION ADS Complaints
Autonomous Vehicle Safety Complaint My family ordered a Waymo from the Phoenix airport. There were five passengers, including two children and two elderly adults, as well as luggage. One passenger sat in the driver’s seat. The vehicle accepted us and began driving without providing any warning that we were violating a passenger or seating policy. Several minutes into the trip, Waymo detected the violation and pulled over in an isolated parking lot with no safe pedestrian access to the airport or another pickup location. We were told to exit and arrange alternate transportation. However, Uber/Lyft/Waymo could not pick us up from that location. Despite approximately 110°F heat, two children, two elderly passengers, and our luggage, Waymo support refused our repeated requests to simply return us to the airport or move us to a safe pickup location because we had violated their policy. I ultimately had to walk to a nearby police station, where a police officer drove me back to the airport to get help. I understand Waymo’s passenger policies, but the vehicle should never have begun the trip if it detected too many passengers or someone in the driver’s seat. More importantly, passengers should never be stranded in an unsafe or inaccessible location because of a policy violation. I am reporting this because I believe Waymo needs safeguards requiring the vehicle to either refuse to begin the trip or, if a violation is discovered after departure, transport passengers to the nearest safe and accessible location. This incident created an unnecessary and potentially dangerous situation for our family.;