Boeing's 737 MAX Aircraft Family Faces New Regulatory Scrutiny Over Software Issue

Boeing is facing a new regulatory review of its 737 MAX aircraft family due to a software issue that affects automated vertical navigation during a specific missed-approach scenario.

The problem was first reported by The Wall Street Journal on September 26, 2026, and Boeing has since confirmed the issue to 737 operators. According to the FAA, the affected scenario involves a precision approach with the autopilot engaged, followed by a go-around and changes to the pre-programmed flight path.

Under those circumstances, the aircraft's vertical navigation system (VNAV) can disengage, but the autopilot can continue to function while transitioning to a less sophisticated form of automated pitch control. However, pilots need to take additional steps to manage the aircraft during the subsequent approach, which can be critical at relatively low altitude.

The FAA will convene a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) and work with Boeing and airlines to assess the issue. If the review identifies a safety concern, the agency will take immediate action. Boeing is developing a permanent software fix, but the latest regulatory review comes as the company approaches the final stages of the 737 MAX 10 certification campaign.