The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that Graco is voluntarily recalling 11 of 18 model seats that the government agency has asked it to recall, as a result of a buckling issue. This recall affects 3,700,000 car seats, making it one of the biggest such recalls ever, according to officials who indicated that it is the fourth biggest recall of car seats. The seven remaining models of seats are being reviewed by the agency, and its investigation will remain open pending its evaluation of the recall and its review of the other model seats. If the additional models are added to this recall, it will be the biggest car seat recall ever.

The seats in issue have a red release button in the center of the harness, which NHTSA said can become difficult to unlatch, or can become stuck, making it difficult or impossible to remove the child quickly in an emergency. A Graco press release said the voluntary recall affects “harness buckles used on all popular convertible car seats and harnessed booster seats manufactured from 2009 to July 2013.” The release indicated that all products sold since July, 2013 do not have the same problem, and Graco has been working with 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 overtime or become stuck in the old latch position. The company is offering a new and improved replacement harness buckle to affected customers at no cost. This replacement harness buckle may be obtained by calling 800 – 345 – 4109, or e-mailing “consumerservices@Gracobaby.com.” The company urges parents to continue using their seats for their children until they receive a replacement, because the replacement does not affect the performance of the car seat or the effectiveness of the buckle to restrain a child. NHTSA, meanwhile, said “it encourages parents and caregivers to consider acquiring an alternative car seat for transporting children until their Graco seat is fixed.”

The recall models include these popular 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. The harnessed booster seats that are part of the recall are the Nautilus 3-in-1, Nautilus Elite and Argos. Government officials indicate that the seven models that Graco is not recalling, despite being asked to do so by NKTSA and, are all infant seats.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident, a defective product or any other negligent act, Stark & Stark attorneys can help you. Contact Stark & Stark at 1-800-535-3425 or visit us online.