Last month, a man’s journey to the airport turned into a nightmare when his self-driving Waymo vehicle malfunctioned, trapping him inside. On his way to Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, the car began behaving erratically, driving in repetitive loops around a parking lot.

The passenger, identified as Johns, endured eight cycles of the same loop while desperately trying to contact Waymo’s support team for assistance. Despite his efforts, the situation left him panicked and pressed for time, nearly costing him his flight.

This incident highlights the challenges that can arise with autonomous vehicle technology, especially in high-pressure situations where timing is critical. While self-driving cars promise convenience and innovation, real-world hiccups like these reveal areas where improvements are needed to ensure safety and reliability.

Waymo has not commented on the specific issue but has previously assured the public of its commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology while prioritizing passenger safety. For Johns, however, the experience was anything but futuristic—just frustrating.