Parents that move their tykes around with the help of a Graco car seat should take note - the company has announced that it's recalling 3.8-million units from model years 2009 to 2013, over concerns that children could become trapped.
The problem rests with the harness buckle that latches the child into the seat. It can become stuck, making it difficult to remove the child form the seat. According to USA Today, some parents have resorted to excessive force to make the buckle cooperate, with some reporting that they actually were forced to cut the straps to free their kids. Obviously, this presents a very dangerous situation for the child in the event of an accident or fire. So far, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has fielded over 80 complaints about the issue from parents.
"NHTSA's investigation will remain open pending its evaluation of the Graco recall and until the Agency's consideration of the review of the seven remaining seat models is completed," according to an official statement from the government watchdog.
11 models are covered in the recall, with a complete list available in the bulletin from NHTSA available below.
The problem rests with the harness buckle that latches the child into the seat. It can become stuck, making it difficult to remove the child form the seat. According to USA Today, some parents have resorted to excessive force to make the buckle cooperate, with some reporting that they actually were forced to cut the straps to free their kids. Obviously, this presents a very dangerous situation for the child in the event of an accident or fire. So far, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has fielded over 80 complaints about the issue from parents.
"NHTSA's investigation will remain open pending its evaluation of the Graco recall and until the Agency's consideration of the review of the seven remaining seat models is completed," according to an official statement from the government watchdog.
11 models are covered in the recall, with a complete list available in the bulletin from NHTSA available below.
Make: GRACO
Models: ARGOS 70, CLASSIC RIDE 50, COMFORT SPORT, COZY CLINE, MY RIDE 65, MY RIDE 70, MY RIDE W/SAFETY SURROUND, NAUTILUS, NAUTILUS ELITE, SIZE 4 ME 70, SMARTSEAT
Production Dates: -
Defect: Graco Children's Products, Inc. (Graco) is recalling model year 2009 through 2013 toddler and booster child restraints, models Cozy Cline, Comfort Sport, Classic Ride 50, My Ride 65, My Ride with Safety Surround, My Ride 70, Size 4 Me 70, Smartseat, Nautilus, Nautilus Elite, and Argos 70. The alleged defect involves difficulty in unlatching the harness buckle. In some cases, the buckle becomes stuck in a latched condition so that it cannot be opened by depressing the buckle's release button.
Consequence: It may be difficult to remove the child from the restraint, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash, fire, or other emergency, in which a prompt exit from the vehicle is required.
Corrective Action: The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a remedy or notification schedule. Owners may contact Graco at 1-800-345-4109 (toll-free) or 1-330-869-7225.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA No.: 14C001000
Models: ARGOS 70, CLASSIC RIDE 50, COMFORT SPORT, COZY CLINE, MY RIDE 65, MY RIDE 70, MY RIDE W/SAFETY SURROUND, NAUTILUS, NAUTILUS ELITE, SIZE 4 ME 70, SMARTSEAT
Production Dates: -
Defect: Graco Children's Products, Inc. (Graco) is recalling model year 2009 through 2013 toddler and booster child restraints, models Cozy Cline, Comfort Sport, Classic Ride 50, My Ride 65, My Ride with Safety Surround, My Ride 70, Size 4 Me 70, Smartseat, Nautilus, Nautilus Elite, and Argos 70. The alleged defect involves difficulty in unlatching the harness buckle. In some cases, the buckle becomes stuck in a latched condition so that it cannot be opened by depressing the buckle's release button.
Consequence: It may be difficult to remove the child from the restraint, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash, fire, or other emergency, in which a prompt exit from the vehicle is required.
Corrective Action: The manufacturer has not yet provided the agency with a remedy or notification schedule. Owners may contact Graco at 1-800-345-4109 (toll-free) or 1-330-869-7225.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA No.: 14C001000
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