MIAMI – Evenflo was the second company to recall convertible child-safety seats, after complaints from parents who said they had to cut their children free, because the buckle was stuck.
Food or drinks were getting into the car seats' harness buckle, and making it difficult for parents to unlatch it quickly during an emergency exit, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report said.
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Evenflo's recall includes 1.3 million car seats sold since 2011. Earlier this year, Graco recalled about 4.2 million seats. Both Greco and Evenflo purchased the buckles from AmSafe Commercial Products, a company that also sells seat belts for commercial aviation.
The manufacturer said the recall was done in an "abundance of caution." and that the company had not received reports "of injuries to children in connection with the use of this buckle on the seats."
The Evenflo recall includes variations of the Momentum, Chase, Maestro, Symphony, Titan 65, SureRide, SecureKid, Snugli All-in-One and Snugli Booster.
Earlier this year, Graco recalled versions of the Argos 70 Elite, Ready Ride, Step 2, My Ride 65 with Safety Surround, My Size 70, Head Wise 70 with Safety Surround, Nautilus 3-in-1, Nautilus Plus and Smart Seat with Safety Surround.
Graco and Evenflo did not want to recall rear-facing seats that used the same buckle, and told the safety administration that the portion holding the infant could be detached from the base.
The safety agency disagreed. The issue could end up in court.
Meanwhile, Evenflo is providing a replacement buckle kit. While the kit arrives, the manufacturer is asking parents to submerge the unlatched buckle into warm water, and depress the red button several times when it is submerged.
For information, call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236. And to request a replacement buckle call 1-800-490-7591 or click here: Buckle.Evenflo.com.