PSA: Graco carseat recalls

ASmallWonder

Update: CSFTLs has received a statement that replacement crotch buckles are being provided for effected seats.  The statement indicates that spilled food and drink are what cause the buckles to become increasingly difficult to open and there's a newer buckle to help remedy that.  It's not that the seats themselves are unsafe but there is potential for you to struggle to get a child from the seat in a timely fashion.

If you have a Graco seat, please check this out.

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

jak554

Wow...glad I got my Diono. I was actually looking at the Graco My Ride.

nanabanana06

Well shit. We need to get new seats for the Grandparents.

ASmallWonder

Nana_Osaki06  You don't need new seats.  Graco is replacing the buckle.  This is also not a mandated safety recall.  It's not affecting the performance of the seat but rather, COULD get sticky because of the seat design.  If it's not at all sticking now, it's unlikely the problem would develop over night.  Call Graco and they'll send the new buckle

nanabanana06

Eh, we'll still get her new seats. We were planning on it anyways.

nanabanana06

Sterling13 said:

Eh, we'll still get her new seats. We were planning on it anyways.

Did she outgrow the seats or do you just not like them?

They are for the grandparents. So we were going to get her a combo booster for them now that she's FF. We're updating seats here in a few months. They'll probably both get ERF for Cade.

DreadLoc

Sterling13 said:

Just went to the Graco website. It's not quite that dire after all. Thanks for posting @elmoali!

Harness Buckle Recall – 2014 Announcement

Potential Problem:

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. Therefore, Graco has decided to conduct a voluntary recall on the harness buckles used on all toddler convertible car seats and harnessed booster seats manufactured from 2009 to July 2013. 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. And a car seat is always the safest way to transport your child.

Injuries Reported: 0

Number of Units Affected: 3.7 million

Dates Produced: 2009 through July 2013

MSRP: $99.00-$399.99

Models Affected: 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 and Argos.

Solution:

Graco offers a new and improved replacement harness buckle to affected consumers at no cost. If you are experiencing difficulty with your harness buckle and cleaning has not improved its performance, please contact our Graco customer service team at 800-345-4109 (Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.) or

DreadLoc