Article Title: Waymo Initiates Software Recall to Address Robotaxi Behavior Near School Buses
In a proactive move to enhance the safety of its autonomous vehicles, Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has announced a voluntary software recall aimed at improving how its robotaxis interact with school buses. This decision comes in response to multiple incidents where Waymo’s self-driving cars reportedly failed to adhere to traffic laws concerning stopped school buses, particularly in Austin, Texas.
Background of the Issue
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began investigating Waymo in October 2025 after a concerning incident in Atlanta. A Waymo robotaxi was observed maneuvering around a stopped school bus that had its stop sign extended and lights flashing while unloading children. The autonomous vehicle crossed perpendicularly in front of the bus from its right side, then turned left around the front of the bus before continuing down the street. Waymo stated that the bus was partially blocking the driveway, preventing the robotaxi from seeing the flashing lights or stop sign. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/10/20/regulators-probe-waymo-after-its-robotaxi-drove-around-a-stopped-school-bus/?utm_source=openai))
Following this, the Austin Independent School District reported 19 instances since the start of the 2025-2026 school year where Waymo vehicles allegedly passed stopped school buses illegally. Notably, five of these incidents occurred after Waymo had implemented a software update on November 17, 2025, intended to address the issue. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/04/feds-ask-waymo-about-robotaxis-repeatedly-passing-school-buses-in-austin/?utm_source=openai))
Waymo’s Response and Software Recall
In light of these events, Waymo has decided to file a voluntary software recall with the NHTSA. The company asserts that the software update deployed on November 17 has significantly improved the vehicles’ performance in these scenarios, claiming it now surpasses human drivers in handling such situations. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/05/waymo-to-issue-software-recall-over-how-robotaxis-behave-around-school-buses/?utm_source=openai))
Mauricio Peña, Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, Holding the highest safety standards means recognizing when our behavior should be better. As a result, we have made the decision to file a voluntary software recall with NHTSA related to appropriately slowing and stopping in these scenarios. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/05/waymo-to-issue-software-recall-over-how-robotaxis-behave-around-school-buses/?utm_source=openai))
Regulatory and Community Reactions
The NHTSA has intensified its scrutiny of Waymo’s operations, requesting detailed information about the company’s fifth-generation self-driving system and its performance around school buses. The agency has set a deadline of January 20, 2026, for Waymo to provide comprehensive responses. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/04/feds-ask-waymo-about-robotaxis-repeatedly-passing-school-buses-in-austin/?utm_source=openai))
Local officials in Austin have expressed ongoing concerns about road safety. As of December 1, 2025, Waymo had received its 20th citation since the beginning of the school year. This is despite the company’s assurances that the November software update had addressed the issue. ([cbsnews.com](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/waymo-investigation-nhtsa-robotaxis-passing-school-bus/?utm_source=openai))
In a letter dated November 20, 2025, the Austin Independent School District urged Waymo to cease operations during student pick-up and drop-off times until the company could guarantee compliance with traffic laws. The district highlighted an incident where a Waymo vehicle was recorded driving past a stopped school bus moments after a student crossed in front of it, while the student was still in the … . ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/04/feds-ask-waymo-about-robotaxis-repeatedly-passing-school-buses-in-austin/?utm_source=openai))
Waymo’s Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Waymo has a history of addressing software-related issues through voluntary recalls. Earlier in 2025, the company filed a recall report with the NHTSA after two incidents in Phoenix where its vehicles made contact with a towed pickup truck. The company promptly updated its software to rectify the issue and emphasized its commitment to safety and transparency. ([waymo.com](https://waymo.com/blog/2024/02/voluntary-recall-of-our-previous-software/?utm_source=openai))
In the current situation, Waymo has stated that no injuries have occurred related to the vehicle behavior addressed by this recall. The company continues to work closely with the NHTSA and remains dedicated to analyzing vehicle performance and implementing necessary fixes as part of its commitment to continuous improvement. ([techcrunch.com](https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/05/waymo-to-issue-software-recall-over-how-robotaxis-behave-around-school-buses/?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, ensuring the safety of all road users remains paramount. Waymo’s proactive approach in issuing a software recall demonstrates its commitment to addressing safety concerns and improving the performance of its self-driving vehicles. The company’s ongoing collaboration with regulatory bodies and responsiveness to community feedback are crucial steps toward building public trust in autonomous transportation.
