Waymo Recall Software After Robotaxis Illegally Pass Stopped School Buses

A critical failure in "uncommon" scenarios

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the software flaw occurred in what Waymo engineers described as "uncommon" traffic scenarios. The issue was not that the vehicles' sensors failed to detect the stopped school buses. In all three confirmed incidents, which occurred between November 25 and November 28, 2025, the Waymo vehicles properly identified the buses and their activated stop signs.

The failure was in the software's decision-making logic. In these specific situations, the autonomous system incorrectly determined it was permissible to proceed, causing the vehicles to illegally pass the buses. Waymo's investigation found that the error was linked to a "software logic error" that emerged following a prior update intended to improve the vehicles' behavior around large, stopped vehicles. The company stated that no crashes or injuries were reported from these events.

The recall and the road ahead

Waymo is moving to address the flaw with a new software update, version 2025.12.31.001. The recall process for autonomous vehicles is unique; instead of visiting a service center, the entire fleet will receive the corrected software "over-the-air," similar to an update on a smartphone. The update is set for a phased rollout beginning the week of December 15, 2025.

This technical fix arrives amidst heightened scrutiny. The NHTSA has opened a separate investigation into Waymo after receiving 31 reports of the company's vehicles "exhibiting unexpected driving behaviors," including collisions and traffic law violations. The scope of this broader investigation covers 614 Waymo vehicles and will assess the overall safety of the company's automated driving system.

Why this matters for every road user

For drivers, pedestrians, and especially parents, this recall highlights a profound safety concern with emerging technology. A school bus stop is one of the most critical and well-defined safety zones on the road. The flashing red lights and extended stop sign carry the full force of traffic law for a simple, life-saving reason: to protect children who may be crossing the street.

A self-driving vehicle that fails in this fundamental task creates an unacceptable risk:

• Direct danger to children: The most immediate and severe risk is to a child who steps out from in front of the bus, expecting all traffic to have stopped
• Confusion and hazard for other drivers: When one vehicle, such as a taxi, illegally passes a stopped bus, it can confuse other motorists, potentially prompting them to follow suit or creating sudden, unpredictable traffic movements
• Erosion of public trust: This incident strikes at the core promise of autonomous vehicles: that they will be safer and more law-abiding than human drivers. A failure on such a basic, safety-critical rule undermines public confidence in the technology's readiness for complex urban environments

Waymo has stated that following the software update, it will need to validate the fix through simulation and on-road testing before fully resuming its driverless passenger service. The company emphasized that its vehicles have driven millions of miles and that this recall demonstrates its "commitment to safety and transparency."

For now, the incident serves as a stark reminder that as autonomous vehicles become more common, ensuring they understand and obey not just the letter of traffic law, but the vital safety principles behind them, remains an immense and ongoing challenge.