NHTSA Opens Recall Query Into 2,895 Waymo Vehicles

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a recall query covering 2,895 Waymo vehicles to determine whether a software remedy stopped the company’s robotaxis from passing stopped school buses. The agency is examining whether the fix adequately addressed the safety issue and what caused reported incidents after its deployment.

The query concerns vehicles reported to have passed buses displaying flashing red lights or extended stop arms, signals that indicate children may be boarding or leaving and that other traffic must stop. Passing a stopped school bus is illegal in all 50 states, according to the reports.

NHTSA said most reported incidents occurred after Waymo said it had completed deploying a software update in November 2025. Waymo issued a voluntary recall in December 2025. The agency’s review will assess the adequacy of the remedy and the causes of post-remedy incidents; it has not yet announced findings.

According to NHTSA, Waymo identified 19 instances of school-bus passing from the start of the school year before issuing the December recall. The agency’s current query follows an initial investigation opened in October 2025 after reports of Waymo...