Huge Carseat Recall: Graco Products Targetted
When you buy products designed to keep your baby or young child safe, you don’t really expect those products to put them at greater risk. Yet, in one of the largest recalls of baby products in history, industry giant Graco will recall 3.7 million child car seats it manufactured because of an issue with a buckle. The problem could get even worse for the company because, while it agreed to recall the 3.7 million, it has officially contested a request by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to recall 1.8 million more. At 3.7 million, it’s the fourth-largest car seat recall ever, if it rises to 5.5 million, it would be the largest.
The models being recalled include the following toddler convertible car seats:
- The Cozy Cline
- The Comfort Sport
- The Classic Ride 50,
- The My Ride 65, My Ride 65 with Safety Surround and My Ride 70
- The Size4Me 70
- The My Size 70
- The Head Wise 70
- The Smart Seat.
Also included are the Nautilus 3-in-1, Nautilus Elite and Argos harnessed booster seats. The seven models that the NHTSA has requested be recalled that Graco has declined to recall are the Snugride, Snugride 30, Snugride 32, Snugride 35, Snugride Click Connect 40, Infant Safe Seat-Step 1 and Tuetonia 35.
The issue involves “harness buckles used on all toddler convertible car seats and harnessed booster seats manufactured from 2009 to July 2013,” according to a statement from Graco. The NHTSA has said that the red release button in the center of the harness can become difficult to unlatch, or may even become stuck, which can make it difficult to remove the child from the seat in an emergency. Graco noted “food and dried liquids” can cause some buckles to become more difficult to open over time. The company said it’s been aware of the problem for some time, and that all car seats sold after July 2013 do not have the problem.
Graco is offering “new and improved replacement harness buckle to affected customers at no cost.” Consumers who need one can obtain it by calling 800-345-4109 or emailing consumerservices@gracobaby.com. But there is disagreement between Graco and the government as to what should be done while waiting for the replacement buckle. Graco is trying to assure parents that the issue doesn’t affect the ability of the car seat to restrain a child. The NHTSA, on the other hand, recommends that parents and caregivers get an alternative car seat until their recalled seat is fixed.
Thus far, there are no reports of injuries associated with this issue.
If you have one of these car seats, follow the details of the recall. Graco has said they will give a new buckle to owners of the seven models they won’t be recalling, so it may be worthwhile to be safe rather than sorry. If your child has been injured due to any child safety seat, please contact the Texas Defective Product Injury Lawyer at Hill Law Firm immediately, in order to protect your rights.