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. According to Graco, no injuries have been reported.
REMEDY:
Graco offers a new and improved replacement harness buckle to affected consumers at no cost. Please note, if you have registered your car seat on Gracobaby.com, you will automatically receive a replacement harness buckle and do not need to take further action at this time. If you have not registered your car seat, click here to place your order.
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 consumerservices@gracobaby.com. Owners may contact Graco at 1-800-345-4109 (toll-free) or 1-330-869-7225, or online at www.consumerservices@gracobaby.com.
Cleaning Tips for Harness Buckles:
To clean your buckle, turn the restraint over and push the retainer through the harness strap slot.
Place the buckle in a cup of warm water and gently agitate the buckle, pressing the red button several times while it is in the water.
Do not submerge the harness webbing and do not use soaps or lubricants, only rinse the harness buckle with warm water.
Shake out the excess water and allow the harness buckle to air dry.
Reattach the harness buckle into the same slot and re-check harness for correct installation according to the car seat manual before use.
