The record

Where automated decisions went wrong

Incidents gathered from public reporting around the world. Each one links to the articles it came from. None of it is a finding that anyone broke the law.

Reports people file about their own experience are not shown here and never will be without their agreement. Tell us what happened to you.

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80 incidents closest to “Waymo Driver” · matched on meaning · public reporting

WF-IQWQB07 Dec 2025Indonesian

Tesla Autopilot Active in Fatal Alabama Crash

Tesla Autopilot Aktif Saat Kecelakaan Fatal di Alabama - Telset.id

A Tesla Model Y crashed on Alabama Highway 157 on December 7, 2025, killing the driver. Tesla's telemetry data confirmed that the driver-assist system was active at the time. The company redacted key details about the crash, including the software version and operational area, as confidential business information.

Company involved
Tesla
AI system involved
Autopilot

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-HXB33K1 Feb 2026ZH-TW

After fatal crashes, regulators investigate Comma AI's hands-free driving technology

致命車禍後,主管機關調查 Comma AI 的免手操作駕駛技術 - Business Insider Taiwan

The US NHTSA opened an investigation into Comma AI's hands-free driving device after five reported crashes that caused 11 injuries and 3 deaths. The regulator says vehicles equipped with the device hit slow-moving or stopped vehicles in the lane, and the system may have failed to adequately detect or respond to them. Comma AI sells an aftermarket device that enables hands-free driving on over 325 car models, with software including OpenPilot.

Company involved
Comma AI
AI system involved
OpenPilot (running on comma three, comma 3X, comma four hardware)

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-R9LNC11 Jan 2024Vietnamese

Many Self-Driving Car Test Drivers Injured

Nhiều tài xế thử nghiệm xe tự lái gặp chấn thương - VnExpress

Test drivers for autonomous vehicle companies Waymo and Zoox suffered over 20 injuries such as sprains, muscle strains, and neck pain in 2024 and 2025, according to OSHA data analyzed by TechCrunch. Transdev, which manages Waymo's test drivers, reported 16 injuries caused by sudden braking or swerving, while Zoox reported 8 cases linked to abrupt stops. Incidents included a driver whose hand was injured when a car suddenly reversed while parking, and another who was hurt after the vehicle braked sharply for children on a path, leading to extended leave.

Company involved
Waymo and Zoox

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-SGOX7E23 Jan 2026

Federal Regulators' Waymo Investigation Gets New Documents After a Robotaxi Struck a Child - newsbreak.com

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened Preliminary Evaluation PE26001 on 28 January 2026, five days after a Waymo robotaxi struck a child near an elementary school in Santa Monica, California. The agency's summary states the vehicle was operating autonomously with no safety operator present, during morning drop-off hours. The child emerged from behind a parked SUV and sustained minor injuries. The investigation targets Waymo's fifth-generation Automated Driving System and will examine whether the vehicle exercised appropriate caution given its proximity to a school at drop-off time.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
5th Generation Automated Driving System

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-2AFF9H1 Jan 2025Japanese

US Robotaxis Plagued by Whiplash Injuries from Sudden Braking

米ロボタクシー、「いきなりブレーキ」でむち打ち続出 - 自動運転ラボ

Waymo and Zoox reported over 24 injury accidents involving test drivers in 2024-2025, mostly from sudden braking or system errors. Drivers suffered whiplash and other injuries, with some off work for over 150 days. Zoox recalled hundreds of vehicles due to braking problems.

Company involved
Waymo

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-75P4S67 Jul 2024

Baidu's 'Apollo Go' robotaxi hits jaywalking pedestrian in Wuhan

On 7 July 2024, a Baidu 'Apollo Go' autonomous taxi struck a pedestrian at an intersection in Wuhan, China. The vehicle was starting at a green light when it made slight contact with the pedestrian, who was crossing against the red light. Baidu stated it cooperated with police and accompanied the injured person to hospital for observation. The incident has raised questions about liability for driverless cars under China's evolving regulations.

Company involved
Baidu
AI system involved
萝卜快跑

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-5WQU4C1 Mar 2021

Amazon sued after monitoring software allegedly caused delivery van crash

In March 2021, an Amazon delivery van rear-ended a Tesla on Interstate 75 near Atlanta, causing a multi-vehicle crash that left a passenger with a traumatic brain injury and paralysis. The victim alleges that Amazon's Flex app and in-van AI cameras, which monitor drivers for speed and yawning, pressured the driver to speed, leading to the collision. Amazon denies liability, arguing the driver was employed by a contractor, but the lawsuit claims the company's software micromanages drivers and prioritizes speed over safety. The case, which seeks damages exceeding $2 million in medical bills, is pending.

Company involved
Amazon
AI system involved
Amazon Flex app

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-6SBYSJ23 Sep 2016

Google self-driving car broadsided by red-light runner in Mountain View

On 23 September 2016, a Google self-driving Lexus SUV in autonomous mode was struck on the passenger side by another vehicle that ran a red light at an intersection in Mountain View, California. The collision deployed the airbags and caused significant damage, requiring the car to be towed. No injuries were reported. Google stated that its car had a green light and that the incident underscores the prevalence of human error in crashes.

Company involved
Google
AI system involved
Google self-driving car

10 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-7QJUW717 Jan 2026

Zoox robotaxi crashes into parked car, injuring driver's hand in San Francisco

On 17 January 2026, a Zoox autonomous vehicle carrying a company employee collided with the open driver's-side door of a parked 1977 Cadillac Coupe DeVille in San Francisco. The door was opened by street ambassador Jamel Durden, whose hand was smashed in the crash. Zoox stated the robotaxi detected the opening door and attempted to avoid it but contact was unavoidable. The San Francisco Police Department and California DMV are investigating, and Zoox is cooperating with authorities.

Company involved
Zoox
AI system involved
Zoox robotaxi

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-LMTEHE11 Apr 2026

Waymo restricts freeway rides after robotaxis enter construction zones

Waymo has voluntarily recalled 3,871 robotaxis after some entered freeway construction zones in Phoenix and the Bay Area. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the software may allow a vehicle to enter a closed construction zone, increasing crash risk. Waymo is developing a software fix to detect and avoid construction zones. No crashes or injuries were reported.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo fifth-generation automated driving system

7 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-LYSPZN30 Sep 2024

Waymo driverless taxi blocked by men demanding passenger's number

A woman using a Waymo driverless taxi in San Francisco was trapped when two men blocked the vehicle and demanded her phone number. The autonomous car stalled, and the men persisted despite her protests. Waymo's rider support contacted her during the incident and followed up afterwards. The passenger described the experience as terrifying and warned others to be careful when riding alone.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo

8 source articles · read the reporting →

Waymo Issues Voluntary Recall After Self-Driving Cars Illegally Pass School Buses

Waymo's self-driving vehicles illegally passed stopped school buses in Austin, Texas, on at least 19 occasions, including one where a student was still in the road. The Austin Independent School District reported the violations, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation. Waymo issued a voluntary software recall and claimed a November 2025 update fixed the issue, but the school district alleges at least five further violations occurred after the update. The recall does not remove vehicles from the road; Waymo will push further software fixes.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
5th Generation Automated Driving System

3 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-FJQPUZ1 Mar 2026

Austin council demands Waymo meeting after cars blocked first responders

Austin City Council member Zo Qadri and colleagues sent a letter to Waymo after a March 1 autonomous vehicle allegedly stopped on a street near a mass shooting, requiring an officer to move it. The city wants to discuss emergency-response procedures at a joint committee meeting on April 29. Waymo had not responded to the letter as of the interview, and the council member expressed frustration that the city lacks authority to regulate autonomous vehicles on its streets.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo Driver

4 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-FUD9Y227 Dec 2024

Waymo robotaxi and Serve delivery robot collide in Los Angeles

On December 27, 2024, a Waymo robotaxi and a Serve Robotics sidewalk delivery robot collided at an intersection in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. The Waymo vehicle was making a right turn when the Serve bot, under remote supervision, moved into the turning lane. The Waymo Driver system classified the bot as an inanimate object and applied hard braking, but made contact at 4 mph. Neither vehicle was damaged, and both companies stated they are working to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Company involved
Waymo and Serve Robotics
AI system involved
Waymo Driver and Serve delivery robot

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-GJP49S2 Oct 2023

Cruise robotaxi drags woman 20 feet, company pays over $8M settlement

On October 2, 2023, a Cruise robotaxi in downtown San Francisco struck and dragged a woman 20 feet after she was hit by a human driver. The autonomous vehicle attempted to pull over while the pedestrian was trapped underneath, causing life-threatening injuries. Cruise later paid a settlement of between $8 million and $12 million to the victim. The California DMV suspended Cruise's driverless permits after the company failed to show regulators complete footage of the incident.

Company involved
Cruise

4 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-HN4TV23 Feb 2024

Waymo passengers felt trapped during pedestrian attack in San Francisco

A couple riding in a Waymo driverless car in San Francisco felt trapped when a pedestrian attempted to cover the vehicle's sensors. The passengers contacted Waymo support and were advised to remain inside the vehicle. The pedestrian eventually walked away, and the passengers were unharmed. Waymo stated that remaining inside is often the safest course of action during such an event.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo Driver

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-EDM4F821 May 2024

Waymo recalls robotaxi software after crash into telephone pole

On May 21, 2024, a Waymo autonomous vehicle crashed into a telephone pole in Phoenix, Arizona, while driving to a passenger pickup location. The vehicle was damaged but no one was injured. Waymo issued a voluntary recall and updated the software and mapping for its entire fleet of 672 vehicles to correct an error that assigned a low damage score to the pole and to improve the map.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo autonomous vehicle

6 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-HWCQXU16 Feb 2025

Waymo sued after robotaxi doors cyclist in San Francisco bike lane

Jenifer Hanki, 26, was cycling in a marked bike lane in San Francisco when a Waymo robotaxi pulled over and a passenger opened a door into her path, causing a collision. She alleges the vehicle's Safe Exit system failed to warn of her approach, and she suffered brain and spine injuries. Hanki has sued Waymo and Alphabet for negligence, battery, and emotional distress, and the case is pending in San Francisco County Superior Court. Waymo did not comment on the lawsuit but pointed to its overall safety record.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-NJX5PW24 Jul 2026

Truck drivers sue Motive over AI dash cam mass surveillance

Truck drivers Adam Dean and Christian Erickson filed a class action lawsuit against Motive Technologies Inc., alleging that the company's AI-powered dash cams with automatic license plate readers collected license plate data and tracked drivers' movements without consent. The lawsuit, filed in California federal court, claims violations of California's ALPR Law and seeks damages of $2,500 per class member. The drivers allege privacy invasion and emotional distress from the surreptitious surveillance.

Company involved
Motive Technologies Inc.

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-QXCVQM20 Apr 2026

Waymo recalls 3,500 robotaxis after vehicle enters flooded Texas road

On April 20, 2026, an unoccupied Waymo robotaxi entered a flooded road in San Antonio, Texas, during severe weather. No injuries occurred, but the incident prompted Waymo to issue a voluntary recall of up to 3,791 vehicles due to software that could allow the cars to drive onto flooded roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published recall documents, and Waymo stated it is implementing additional software safeguards and has restricted operations in extreme weather. The fix is still under development.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo autonomous driving system

4 source articles · read the reporting →

WF-EZHF3P3 Sep 2026

Armed teenagers were travelling in a Waymo robotaxi – the car stopped of its own accord and called the police…

The robotaxi stopped and contacted emergency services after detecting passengers with weapons, resulting in police detaining two minors.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo robotaxi

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-RZAFQ69 May 2026

Waymo rider trapped in robotaxi during vandalism attack in San Francisco

In May 2026, Sherman Watson was riding in a Waymo robotaxi in San Francisco when two men attacked the vehicle, smashing the windshield. The car stopped and remained stationary, trapping Watson inside for about 10 minutes while he feared for his life. Waymo's remote assistant called police but could not move the car. Watson later sought therapy and requested video footage from Waymo, which the company has not provided, citing the need for a police search warrant.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo robotaxi

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-SAER6E4 Jul 2026

Waymo vehicle catches fire after driving over firework in San Francisco

On 4 July 2026, an unoccupied Waymo robotaxi caught fire in San Francisco after driving over a lit firework. No injuries were reported. The incident occurred amid widespread traffic congestion, with multiple Waymo vehicles becoming disabled and blocking roads. Waymo coordinated with the fire department to remove the vehicle and said it was evaluating ways to improve resilience during major disruptions.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo

1 source article · read the reporting →

WF-TQUWY37 Jan 2026

Waymo passenger flees robotaxi stuck on Phoenix light rail tracks

A Waymo self-driving car mistakenly drove onto light rail tracks in Phoenix, forcing a passenger to flee the vehicle. The incident occurred near moving trains before the car continued along the tracks. Valley Metro confirmed it was notified and responded, and Waymo was contacted.

Company involved
Waymo
AI system involved
Waymo

1 source article · read the reporting →

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