Car Seat Reviews, Issues, Recalls, And Safety Concerns

What is a child car seat? What are the reasons behind the child seat experiencing recalls?

An infant rests comfortably in his black car seat — Source: flickr.com

When you bring your baby into this world, you would want to make sure that your baby will be safe in the big world. This begins when you leave the hospital. You need to make sure that you bring your baby home safely in your vehicle using a child chair with a canopy for cover and one that has a good child seat webbing material. You may need canopy support as well to adequately protect the baby. Here are some tips to keep your baby safe.

Purchasing Car Seats

For a child aged two years and below, your baby needs to be in rear-facing vehicle support. Only when your baby has outgrown a rear-facing car seat should you put them in a forward-facing car seat.
Afterward, depending on the age and height of your child, you can use a booster seat. There are many booster car seats and infant child seats manufactured between November to meet baby’s needs around the world.
These restrain travel systems are designed to keep babies safe with a carry handle. There are also convertible child seats available that can be used both for rearward facing position or top tether forward facing position of your baby.
When you purchase one, keep in mind to register online by filling out the manufacturer registration card so the manufacturer can contact you in case of a federal motor vehicle safety recall number 213.

Proper Installation

Once you’ve selected the best out of the many options out there, you will need to install it correctly. Even if you get the best and most expensive car seat systems on the market, it will not keep your child safe unless the item is secured in the vehicle. Excessive force can cause it to dislocate, so be sure to install it correctly following the installation instructions. How do you do this?

Start by reading the guide. They come with an updated instruction manual to help you with installation. You can also read your vehicle’s manual so that you can correctly identify the best way to install it. Car seat models and vehicle belt restraint systems not installed properly have caused deaths and increased risk of injuries in babies globally.

A mom installing a carseat. — Source: mcconnell.af.mil

Harness With Consideration

Car seat products keep babies safe while in the car. The harness will secure the child seat in place to keep your child secure. Make sure that your vehicle’s lap belt has the correct length and a snug fit. When you put the straps around your baby, check if they are too tight or too loose. One way to know if the harness is acceptable is by doing the “pinch test.” You do it by putting your fingers on the shoulder straps. If you can pinch the harness, you need to tighten them. These guidelines apply not only to babies but to any occupant in the car.

Know When To Change The Seat

Again, reading the manual is essential so that you know when to change it if it gets damaged. You also need to promptly change the car seat once your baby has outgrown it.

Recall Issues: Car Seat

You also need to be aware of when you need to return your car seat or bring it back for repairs, especially if there’s a recall.

When you purchase one, you need to know how to find out about car seat recalls by checking how the company lists their recall and where you can send them.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration database could have it in its complete list if the defective ones have already been reported to them.
You should also register online with the manufacturer using its registration card to make sure that you get updates on the product when they are recalled. You would need your car details, including model number, for proper registration and recall owner notification letters. Manufacturers are required to notify owners when there is a motor vehicle safety standard recall on their products.
Another important point to remember is that they are not used for a very long time, except for booster seats. It can be used by babies up to when they are ten or 12. Child seats fail over time if not used properly, so make sure to not use them beyond their capacity for the safety of your baby.
If you happen to borrow from a friend, make sure that it is not damaged or on the recall list. If it is, then notify registered owners and provide as well as initiate the recall process. You may also inquire how you can register online using your name and contact details.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides safety warnings or standards for cars, including vehicle loose pieces and accessories such as car seats, tires, and many others. Their database will show you products that have been reported to them for recall and the manufacturer’s corrective actions. NHTSA requires manufacturers to report and address defective products (carry handle grip) for the safety of consumers.

Kids Safe Worldwide

One of the websites that you can visit is Kids Safe Worldwide. It has lists of kids’ car seat recalls per year and date. The website also indicates why these products are on safety recall and what the possible risks are of not doing so.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Like Kids Safe Worldwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA specifically has a list for car seat recalls for up to 10 years. They are written by the manufacturer, which will be an easier tool for you since you just need to filter to the brand that you’ve purchased. The filter will help you find out faster if your car seat is on the recall list and if you need to return it or bring it in for repair.

Car Seat Recalls: Conclusion

In the event of a car seat recall, parents need to stay informed about potential safety defects that could affect their child’s equipment. Manufacturers issue recall notices through various channels, including mail and their car seat manufacturer’s website.

To ensure you receive these recall updates, registering your car seat is a crucial step. Car seat registration allows the manufacturer to contact you directly in the case of a recall. Car seat labels provide essential information, such as the license plate number, which can be used to search for recall information.

If a car seat recall is announced, the manufacturer may offer a replacement part or instructions to replace or repair the unit, complying with federal regulations. It’s important not to wait or ignore recall notices, as doing so could lead to using equipment that’s missing critical components, failing to protect as expected, or has been deemed unsafe.

Always file a complaint if your car seat seems to be stuck, complaints can often sign underlying issues that warrant further inspection and may even lead to discovering a safety defect or trigger a recall.

Car Seat Recalls FAQs:

What Does Product Recall Mean?

A safety recall is a plea from a business manufacturer to return a product or item after defect investigations revealing safety issues that might harm or endanger the consumer or put the maker/seller at risk of legal action. Not having the required safety warnings can also be a reason for a recall. Defective products can be reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration so they can be included in their database. They will perform an investigation and will tag it as closed once reported to the manufacturer, or the claim is found to be invalid. Typically, a recall is initiated based on model numbers or design versions that may have been manufactured with safety defects or issues. Child seat failure may happen after purchase, so it can be a reason for a recall. For service businesses, it can happen due to safety and hygiene issues. Here are some of the products subject to recall in recent years.

6 Family Dollar stores were recalled in 2022 due to dead rodents found inside their stores during an inspection.
Clek issued a recall for certain infant child seats manufactured before September 15, 2020, due to a potential issue where a small plastic component in the child seat canopy support could crack and detach from the seat. Consequently, Clek provided affected owners with free replacement canopy support.
WayB recalled its Pico Travel Car Seats due to a defective headrest’s aluminum tubular frame that can break; thus there’s an increased risk of injury. If you have purchased one, owners may contact WayB customer service at 1-888-924-9292 either via phone or text, from Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Pacific Time, or you can email them at help@wayb.com.
Combi found out that its model numbers 8220, 8815, and 8836 had issues. The affected model numbers were recalled as their harness webbing failed to comply with minimum breaking strength requirements. Make sure to get the replacement for the harness if you notice any defect.
Britax (B Safe 35) had car seats recalled because some of its car seats, especially the ones with chest clip marked “ABS” on its center tab it was found to be weak and could break. The B Safe 35 elite notified owners and sent a free replacement chest clip marked with “PC”. It’s part of their Britax child safety. (B Safe 35 travel)
DCA recalled one of Babideal’s models (model number BC901BPXL), which is sold exclusively at Family Dollar stores. It was recalled because its fabric cover did not contain the correct label with the required safety warnings. DCA notified all registered owners based on the registration card they filled out upon purchase and provided a replacement fabric cover with the compliant warning label. You may contact DCA customer service at 1-877-657-9546 or text 1-812-373-6673.
Baby Trend recalled models FB58181 and FB48417, which were manufactured on July 23, 2016, and July 14, 2016, respectively. It was after they found out that its center adjuster rivet may break if used by a child weighing above 40 lbs. Baby Trend notified owners and had the child seat replaced or issued a full refund upon request.
Diono recalled some of its booster and convertible seats as it was found that they may not completely protect a baby from a crash if installed in a forward-facing position. Diono notified the owners and provided them with a free remedy kit with replacement new labels, an energy-absorbing pad, plus a new chest clip, all free of charge. Applicable to radian RXT and R100 Radian R120.
Kiddi recalled World Plus combination forward-facing car seats that can be converted to a high back after it was found that its buckle may only partially engage vs it is fully latched.

How Do You Find Out If All Recalls Have Been Performed?

Manufacturers are required to notify registered owners based on the registration card customers filled out upon purchase when there are safety recall issues on their products. The process applies to child car seat models and products in the market. Hence, it is important to register online your product with the manufacturer.

Do Recalls Expire?

As a general and normal policy, recalls do not expire. If a product with recall issues has been sold to another person, the new owner is entitled to get a repair or replacement even if it happened before the sale.

What Carseats Are Recalled?

Nearly 60,000 car seats, including the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP and Maxi-Cosi infant car seats, are being recalled by Dorel Juvenile Group due to safety concerns. The recall specifically affects the 1st OnBoard 35 SecureTech car seats. To address this recall issue and ensure the well-being of children using these seats, it is advised to contact Dorel customer service for further assistance and guidance.

How Do I Find Out If My Car Seat Has An Active Recall?

You can check with the manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The NHTSA would have a record of products with recall issues, including car seat products, based on reports made by consumers.

Indeed, there has been a recall issued for the Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35. The other products are Aprica A30, as well as SnugRides 30 and 40. Contact Graco to know more.

Are There Any Recalls On Graco Car Seats?

What Graco Products Are Being Identified For Recall?

Some Graco Children’s products, including some of their booster car seats and some rear-facing car seat models, from July 2010 to May 2013 due to difficulty in removing the harness buckle. Graco provided a free replacement buckle to affected owners upon request. Graco also made a recall to its classic ride car seat made from Apr 2014 to November 2014. For queries, contact Graco customer service at 1-800-345-4109 and provide the model number of your product to confirm the recall status. Owners may check with Graco to notify them about their recalled products.

What Carseat Has Most Recall Issues?

When considering car seat brands, one that has had multiple recall issues is Graco. Graco car seats have seen recalls related to various issues, including concerns with the child seat base, lower seat anchors, and the proper use of the vehicle belt for secure installation. It is important to stay informed about any recalls and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the safe usage of car seats.

What Is A Silent Recall?

Manufacturers are required to recall defective products. However, because of the negative publicity it brings, some manufacturers may not comply with the regulations by not announcing the recall problem publicly or notifying the appropriate government agency. They will coordinate with the impacted consumers directly and will then pick pieces and fix the defects or safety issues internally. This is called a silent recall. Manufacturers claim that they do this for minor product issues.

What Child Restraint System Has The Most Recalls?

Please refer to the list below of the latest products.

Combi Coccoro, Zeus Turn, Zeus 360 – for Combi USA car seat recalls, contact Combi customer service or recall services at 1-844-697-1690
Graco Infant Car Seat
Graco Convertible and Harnessed Booster Seats
Evenflo Convertible and Harnessed Booster Seats
Baby Trend Fastback 3-in-1 Car Seat Model
Coccoro Car Seat

Why Was Maxi-Cosi Child Restraint System Recalled?

The Maxi-Cosi car seats, including the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP and Maxi-Cosi infant car seats, were recalled by Dorel Juvenile Group due to safety concerns. It specifically focuses on the safety 1st onboard 35 car seats, where it was found that the lower seat anchors used to secure the car seat may not provide sufficient or more coverage, potentially compromising the safety of the child in the event of a crash. It is advised to contact Dorel customer service for further guidance and assistance.

How Long Do Recalls Take To Fix?

The length of time for repair depends on the product and on what the issue is. Software or programming issues will take longer to fix, while minor issues can be replaced within a shorter period.

Why Is Child Restraint System Registration Important?

Car seat registration is a critical step in ensuring the safety of your child’s car seat. It allows the car seat manufacturer to directly contact you with important updates, including safety notices and recall information. By registering your car seat, you ensure that you are promptly informed about any issues that could affect the safety and usability of the car seat.

How Do You Contact The Carseat Manufacturer For Warranty Service Or To Report An Issue?

How Do I Know If My Carseat Is Safe?

How Does A Recall Of Car Seat Work?

Other Resources

https://www.verywellfamily.com/current-car-seat-recalls-293992

https://www.safekids.org/other-resource/register-your-car-seat

https://www.safercar.gov/

Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Rejie Salazar

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Stay Informed About Recalls Of Car Seat: Ensure Safety, Care, And Awareness