UPDATE: Waymo has just announced a voluntary software recall for its autonomous vehicles following alarming reports of the robotaxis illegally passing parked school buses in Austin, Texas. This decision comes after 19 documented incidents raised serious safety concerns, prompting an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall, confirmed by Waymo’s Chief Safety Officer Mauricio Peña, aims to address performance issues related to stopping and slowing down near school buses. In a statement, Peña emphasized, “While we are incredibly proud of our strong safety record, holding the highest safety standards means recognizing when our behavior should be better.”
The NHTSA has been closely monitoring the situation, requesting responses from Waymo regarding the safety of its autonomous driving system by January 20, 2026. Authorities are particularly concerned about compliance with school bus traffic safety laws, especially given that the incidents were recorded by cameras from the Austin Independent School District.
Despite the recall, Waymo has decided to keep its vehicles operational for the time being, stating that all vehicles have received software updates to mitigate these issues. The company reassures the public of its commitment to safety, noting that they will continue to analyze vehicle performance and make necessary adjustments.
This software recall follows troubling reports of Waymo vehicles being involved in other incidents that have attracted public attention, including a case where a passenger became trapped in a car driving in circles and another where a vehicle drove into a police standoff in downtown Los Angeles.
Waymo emphasizes that safety remains its highest priority. The company is determined to learn from these situations and improve road safety as it operates in dynamic urban environments.
As the investigation unfolds, the public is urged to remain vigilant regarding the operation of self-driving vehicles, especially around school zones. Waymo’s proactive approach is a significant step toward ensuring the safety of both passengers and pedestrians alike.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
