The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating Waymo's software fix after robotaxis reportedly continued to pass stopped school buses after it was deployed.
The vehicles allegedly passed buses with flashing red lights and extended stop signs, and the NHTSA claims most reported incidents happened after the fix, according to Engadget.
Here's what to know
The NHTSA previously investigated how Waymo vehicles behaved around school buses.
Its new recall query examines the company's late-2025 software update.
Flashing red lights and extended stop sign arms warn surrounding traffic to stop while children board or exit a school bus.
An initial investigation documented Waymo robotaxis passing stopped buses displaying those signals in Atlanta and Austin, Texas. Waymo finished updating its entire robotaxi fleet in November 2025 under a voluntary software recall.
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However, a Waymo robotaxi struck a child in Santa Monica, California, in January.
That incident is the subject of a separate probe by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
What's being done?
NHTSA's recall query focuses on whether the software update installed across Waymo's fleet resolved the problem of robotaxis passing stopped school buses.
The independent National Transportation Safety Board has also launched an inquiry into Waymo robotaxis' behavior near stopped school buses.
Engadget contacted Waymo about the investigation.
"Safety is central to Waymo's mission, and operating safely around school buses is a responsibility we take seriously," a spokesperson responded.
"Once received, we'll work to respond to NHTSA's query and look forward to continuing our engagement on recall processes for AV software that continues to learn and improve."
The NHTSA said it would "identify the causes of the conditions leading to the post-remedy reports."
Where can I learn more?
Waymo's school bus investigation is unfolding as other robotaxi rollouts draw safety scrutiny and public pushback. These stories cover vandalism against Waymo vehicles and drivers' concerns about automation.
• In Denver, Waymo riders say robotaxis are getting pelted with eggs on city streets.
• Videos show Tesla robotaxis apparently speeding in school zones, prompting a federal review.
• In London, robotaxi tests drew backlash from drivers worried about machines working around the clock.
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