March 7, 2014 — Federal safety authorities are demanding that Graco expand a recall of 3.8 million defective child car seats to include 1.8 million additional car seats with the same defective seat-buckle, which may be impossible to open in an emergency, according to Detroit News.
Over time, “food or dried liquids” can make the buckles extremely difficult to open. This could make it impossible to remove an infant from a car seat during an emergency. At least one child’s death has been blamed on the defect.
Although 1.8 million rear-facing infant car seats have the same buckle, Graco insists they are safe because if the buckle jammed, the seat could be detached at the base, which is connected to the vehicle.
In unusually strong words, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says the recall is “incomplete and misleading to both the agency and consumers.”
Graco settled a wrongful death lawsuit brought on behalf of a 2 year-old girl who died in a burning car crash in August 2011. Her mother and bystanders were unable to free her from a Graco ‘Nautilus’ car seat, according to the New York Times.
Recalled Graco Car Seats
- Cozy Cline
- Comfort Sport
- Classic Ride 50
- Head Wise 70 with Safety Surround
- My Ride 65, 70
- My Ride 65 with Safety Surround
- My Size 70
- Ready Ride
- Size4Me 70
- Smart Seat
- Smart Seat with Safety Surround
- Toddler Convertible Car Seats
Harnessed booster seats:
- Nautilus 3-in-1
- Nautilus Elite
- Nautilus Plus
- Argos 70, Elite
Additional Graco Car Seats the NHTSA Wants Recalled
- Snugride
- Snugride 30, 32, 35
- Infant Safe Seat-Step 1
- Tuetonia 35
- Snugride Click Connect 40
Do I have a Graco Car Seat Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Graco car seat induced injury cases in all 50 states. If your child or somebody you know has been injured by a defective Graco car seat, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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