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Child Car Seat Recalls

November 28, 2017

Child car seat recalls occur for a variety of reasons. Some are recalled for minor issues; whereas, others could lead to significant safety risks, including death. So, what leads to a car seat recall?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issues safety standards for vehicles and equipment. When a product or vehicle does not meet these standards due to safety-related defects, the NHTSA requires the manufacturer to recall them.

The first thing a consumer must do is report the problem being experienced to the NHTSA. After removing any personally identifying information, the complaint is added to NHTSA’s public database. If similar reports are received about the same product, a safety-related defect is possible. At this point, the NHTSA considers opening an investigation.

Once multiple complaints are received citing the same problem with a particular product, the NHTSA must decide if an investigation is necessary.

This is the first step in determining if an investigation is warranted. The screening process includes the reviewing of consumer complaints. Additionally, any other information related to the child car seat in question is also reviewed.

Petitions calling for an investigation into the product in question are analyzed. If the NHTSA denies a petition, the reasons for the denial can be found in the Federal Register.

If an investigation into the child car seat is warranted, the NHTSA begins investigating the alleged safety defects.

The case is closed when a safety-related defect is not identified or, in the event that a defect is found, the NHTSA notifies the manufacturer of recall recommendations.

If the NHTSA or the manufacturer determines that a child car seat fails to meet the minimum safety standards set forth by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), or creates an unreasonable safety risk, a recall is issued. Once a safety recall is initiated, the manufacturer is required to reveal the problem and then remedy the issue. For the most part, even before the NHTSA becomes involved, manufacturers voluntarily choose to recall and remedy any child car seat safety defects.

Once a safety-related defect is discovered in a child car seat, manufacturers are obligated to address the problem by replacing it, repairing it or offering the consumer a refund.

On May 10, 2017, a recall for nearly 25,500 Graco, which were manufactured in 2014, child car seats was issued. This recall was prompted due to an issue with the webbing of Graco’s My Ride 65 convertible child restraints.

The reason for this recall – according to the NHTSA, these restraints can fail and cause injury to the child. Therefore, these seats fail to conform to the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) as set forth by the FMVSS number 213, Child Restraint Systems.

Remedy – replacement restraints will be provided by Graco. Parents can call 1-800-345-4109 for more information about this recall.
This recall affects Graco My Ride 65 car seats that were manufactured in 2014: These seats were sold in Canada and the United States.

The model numbers included in this recall are:

Seats manufactured before 2/9/16.

Evenflo has recalled 32,000 of its Evolve booster seats that were sold in the United States and Canada.

The reason for this recall – the child is able to reach the release button. If the button is released, the seat harness loosens, putting the child at risk for sustaining an injury. If the child has discovered how to release the adjuster, the seat should no longer be used.

Remedy – consumers who are affected by this recall can receive a free remedy kit.

Model numbers included in this recall:

Manufacture dates: 12/18/14 to 1/29/16

Evenflo recalled nearly 60,000 of these booster seats.

Reason for the recall – when the seat is used in the forward-facing harnessed booster mode, the child has access to the Central Front Adjuster (CFA), which could allow for loosening of the harness. Thus, putting the child at risk for injury.

Remedy – consumers affected by this recall can receive a free remedy kit.

Model Numbers:

Manufacture dates:  3/8/16 to 4/2/16 and 12/22/16 through 3/29/16

Reason for the recall – the instruction booklet neglects to state that the booster must remain belted to the vehicle even if the booster is not occupied.

Remedy – contact Graco to receive a revised instruction booklet.

TurboBooster models affected include:

The harness buckle may be difficult to release: Should there be an emergency, this could cause the child to sustain an injury.

If a child using the seat weighs more than 40 lbs., the center rivet on the adjuster may fail. Thus, increasing the possibility of the child sustaining an injury during an automobile accident.

The metal locking parts of the latch connector may crack, which, in the event of a severe car accident, would allow the connectors on the base of the seat to release from the vehicle anchors.
 
These are just a few examples of the reason child car seat recalls are issued. If your child has been injured because of a defect in a child car seat, please contact The Cagle Law Firm today for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys can help you attain the compensation you and your child deserve, and we will hold the manufacturer accountable, thereby preventing such injuries in the future.
 
Related Information
Texas Child Seat Laws

CPM Injury Law, P.C. provides individuals injured through someone else’s negligence personally tailored legal services. Learn about your legal rights and resources below.Call (512) 371-6101 for a free consultation.