NHTSA Closes 14-Month Waymo Probe Citing Safety Improvements and Voluntary Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has concluded its 14-month investigation into Waymo, the self-driving subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., after reviewing 22 complaints related to traffic violations and unexpected behavior by its autonomous vehicles. The probe, initiated in May 2024 following reports of 17 minor collisions, including a 2024 incident where a Waymo vehicle struck a utility pole, was closed without enforcement action. NHTSA cited Waymo’s two voluntary recalls—addressing the pole collision and improving obstacle detection—as critical factors in the decision [1]. The agency emphasized that these updates, coupled with its own technical evaluation, demonstrated adequate safety measures to warrant closure [2].

Waymo’s responses included software fixes to enhance its LiDAR-based system, particularly for identifying chained barriers, road gates, and construction zones. The company acknowledged that its vehicles had previously struggled with such scenarios, leading to erratic or delayed decisions. NHTSA’s analysis validated these improvements, noting that Waymo’s proactive approach aligns with evolving regulatory expectations for autonomous systems [3]. In a statement, Waymo spokesperson Katherine Barna said the company remains “committed to prioritizing safety” and expressed satisfaction with the investigation’s resolution [4].

The closure reflects a broader regulatory balancing act between innovation and oversight. While NHTSA praised Waymo’s corrective actions, it underscored the need for continued vigilance, citing incidents where vehicles collided with “clearly visible objects” a human driver would avoid. Analysts argue the outcome strengthens Waymo’s competitive position, particularly as it expands its fleet to over 1,500 autonomous vehicles across the U.S., offering 250,000 weekly fully driverless rides. The absence of new mandates could accelerate its planned expansions to New York, Miami, and Washington, D.C., as well as its recent collaboration with Uber in Atlanta [5].

However, the resolution does not eliminate skepticism about the technology’s reliability. The 2023 Cruise pedestrian accident, which prompted increased scrutiny of self-driving programs, highlights ongoing risks. In Boston, local officials have delayed decisions on allowing autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the need for public trust. Waymo’s cautious approach—announcing no confirmed launch date for Boston while engaging with local leaders—reflects the challenges of scaling adoption [6].

NHTSA’s decision sets a precedent for how regulators might handle similar investigations, prioritizing preemptive fixes over punitive measures. The agency’s reliance on Waymo’s data transparency and iterative improvements signals a shift toward adaptive oversight, particularly in sectors where rapid technological progress outpaces traditional compliance frameworks [7].

Source: [1] [Mitrade] [https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-989209-20250726] [2] [Benzinga] [https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647825/alphabets-waymo-cleared-as-nhtsa-closes-14-month-robotaxi-safety-probe] [3] [Benzinga] [https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46647825/alphabets-waymo-cleared-as-nhtsa-closes-14-month-robotaxi-safety-probe] [4] [Reuters] [https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/us-closes-probe-into-waymo-self-driving-collisions-unexpected-behavior-2025-07-25/] [5] [Techmeme] [https://www.techmeme.com/250725/p18] [6] [Investing.com] [https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/waymo-selfdriving-vehicle-probe-closed-by-nhtsa-with-no-further-action-93CH-4153744]