AUSTIN, Texas — Waymo announced that it will submit a voluntary software recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after reports indicated its self-driving vehicles illegally passed school buses, prompting the company to address vehicle behavior near student loading and unloading zones.
The recall targets the software that governs autonomous driving systems in situations involving stopped school buses. Waymo stated that the update will ensure its vehicles comply with laws requiring drivers to stop when school buses display flashing lights and extended stop signs.
Waymo reported that it will submit recall documentation directly to NHTSA following federal safety regulations. The company will deploy the updated software to affected vehicles through its established over-the-air update system. During the recall and update process, vehicles will continue operating under monitoring.
NHTSA allows manufacturers to file voluntary safety recalls upon identification of potential defects or noncompliance with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Waymo stated it will inform relevant stakeholders, including regulators and partners in autonomous vehicle service areas, about the recall.
Waymo confirmed the action qualifies as a software recall rather than a hardware recall, as the issue can be corrected through software modifications. The company will monitor vehicle performance after the update to ensure similar incidents do not recur.
Waymo said it will cooperate with any additional NHTSA requests regarding the recall and the reported school bus interactions. The company will maintain communication with local authorities in areas of vehicle operation during the process and will log new incidents to evaluate the effectiveness of corrective measures.
