If you’re a parent who uses Graco car seats, listen up! Graco made a recent announcement that it’s recalling 3.8-million units from model years 2009 to 2013. The concern is that children can become trapped in the car seat, which poses major safety threats if you were to ever be in an accident with your child in the back seat. More details on the malfunction are below.

The harness buckle that latches the child into the seat can become stuck, making it difficult to remove the child from the seat. It has been mentioned in the news that 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. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has fielded over 80 complaints about the issue from parents, so far. “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 a member of National Highway Traffic Safety.

11 models are covered in the recall, with a complete list available in the official press release from the NHTSA, which is below.

PRESS RELEASE

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 http://www.safercar.gov.

NHTSA No.: 14C001000

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