Product Recall: Graco Child Car Seats

by Brayton Purcell LLP Mar 18, 2014 Product Recalls

In one of the biggest such recalls ever, Graco has agreed to recall 3.7 million child car seats manufactured in recent years even as it officially contests a government request to recall nearly 1.8 million more over a buckling issue. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Tuesday that Graco is voluntarily recalling 11 of 18 model seats that the government agency had asked it to recall. The recall issue: the red release button in the center of the harness, which the NHTSA claims can become difficult to unlatch, or can become stuck, making it difficult or impossible to quickly remove the child in an emergency. “This does not, in any way, affect the performance of the car seat or the effectiveness of the buckle to restrain a child,” the company said.Written by James P. Nevin Graco stated that the voluntary recall affects “harness buckles used on all toddler convertible car seats and harnessed booster seats manufactured from 2009 to July 2013.”  “This is not a new issue for us,” Graco spokeswoman Ashley Mowrey said, “We’ve been working to help consumers for some time now.” Graco explained that it found “that food and dried liquids can make some harness buckles progressively more difficult to open over time or become stuck in the latched position.” The company is offering a “new and improved replacement harness buckle to affected customers at no cost.” People can obtain one by calling 800 345 4109 or emailing [email protected]Recalled Products include both toddler convertible car seats: the Cozy Cline, Comfort Sport, Classic Ride 50, My Ride 65, My Ride 65 with Safety Surround, My Ride 70, Size4Me 70, My Size 70, Head Wise 70 and Smart Seat.