Graco recalls 3.7 million children's car seats

Graco, a baby products manufacturer, has announced a recall of 3.7 million of their popular children car seats. This is due to a federal investigation finding safety related defects in the seat's buckles.

 

The results that lead to the recall

 

The National Highway Traffic Administration's investigation into the car seats, opened in February 2013, saw “numerous instances where the harness buckle was difficult or impossible for consumers to unlatch.” Graco have received 6,100 complaints over sticking buckles.

 

The investigation revealed that of the 135 complainants who had difficulty removing the faulty strap, 14 resorted to cutting the harness strap and 4 removed the seat from the car with the child still in the harness. The NHTA concluded that the buckles pose a safety risk in post-crash emergencies that require children to be freed quickly from their harnesses.

 

Graco has maintained that the complaints are not a safety-related problem, saying spillages of food and dried liquids could make harness buckles more difficult to open over time. “As part of our continuous product testing and improvement process, Graco identified that food and dried liquids that can make some harness buckles progressively more difficult to open over time or become stuck in the latched position. Graco would like to stress this does not in any way affect the performance of the car seat or the effectiveness of the buckle to restrain the child.”

 

Two consumer lawsuits, including one class action suit, allege the seats pose a safety hazard and are currently pending. Despite this, Graco claims no injuries related to the recalled products have ben reported.

 

What models are affected by the recall?

 

12 models are affected by the recall, produced between 2009 and 2013. Graco SnugRide infant car seats are reportedly not included in the recall because of their 'unique design'.

 

Models affected by the recall

 

Toddler Convertible Car Seats;

Cozy Cline,

Comfort Sport,

Classic Ride 50,

My Ride 65,

My Ride 70,

My Ride 65 with safety surround,

Size4Me 70,

My Size 70,

Head Wise 70,

Smart Seat.

 

Harnessed Booster Seats;

Nautilus 3-in-1,

Nautilus Elite,

Argos.

 

Comments on the recall
 

Graco customers have come out in droves to issue their concerns over the recall. Andrea Pentakill Dariano Monday, said, “Since 2009? Really? So for five years you knew there was a problem and you let it go yet you want your customers to believe everything is still safe?”

User Sierra Jean commented, “I will NEVER buy Graco brand of anything EVER again. U people are amazingly pathetic, rude, and very irresponsible for blaming PARENTS on UR F--K UPS!!! [sic]”

Jan Richardson Incorvia added their view, “They were just poorly made with defective parts and now it is the consumers fault for letting the buckles become dirty. No responsibility from the company just excuses.”

 

In hopes of sorting the issue Graco are offering replacement buckles for customers affected by the recall at no cost. The recall of children car seats is nhot the only safety problem that motorists are facing, with all the recent bad UK weather they also have to deal with flooding damaging cars and making travel difficult.