TP 2436
Road Safety Leaflet # D-2001-07 (E)
Manufacturer:
Peg Perego SPA
Via De Gasperi 50
20043 Arcore (Milano)
Italy
Distributor:
Peg Perego Canada Inc.
585 Granite Court
Pickering, Ontario
L1W 3K1
Consumer Contact:
Call Centre: 1-800-661-5050
Media Contact:
Bruno G. Biernat: 1-905-839-3371
Models Affected:
IMCS00CA1 BP41 GS45
IMCS00CA1 BP41 TV41
IMCS00CA1 MR41 TF41
IMCS00CA1 MR41 WD41
IMCS00CA1 NP41 TR34
IMCS00CA1 PF41 NF49
IMCS00CA8 BP53 SK13
IMCS00CA8 BP53 RS53
IMCS00CA8 BP53 RU53
IMCS00CA8 RU53 NF45
Number of Units:
Approximately 1000
Geographic Distribution:
All across Canada
Dates of Manufacture:
February 1, 2001 to June 11, 2001
Problem:
The locking mechanism on one side of the infant restraint may not fully engage the metal attachment bars in the restraint system base. In this condition, during a serious collision the infant restraint system may totally separate from the base and be free to move within the occupant compartment unrestrained.
Background:
The problem with the locking mechanism was identified by the manufacturer's distributor in the USA based upon two complaints received. Peg Perego in the USA inspected over 5500 restraint systems and found 27 restraints with the potential latch problem. Approximately 3700 were shipped into Canada and 1000 of these units have been sold to consumers. The remaining 2700 units have been inspected by company representatives and no defective locking mechanisms have been identified.
The company has conducted crash tests of defective restraints to determine the effect of partial and total loss of integrity of one side of the latch system to the base. In the worst case scenario, the restraint system separates from the base.
Safety Risk:
The loss of integrity of one side of the restraint system to the base may affect the performance of the restraint system. In minor to moderate collisions this condition is not expected to occur. However, in the case of a severe collision the separation of the restraint from the base would increase the potential for injuries.
At this time Peg Perego has not received any reported incidents regarding the failure of the locking mechanism during a motor vehicle collision in Canada or the USA.
Company Action:
Upon verification of the problem by Peg Perego, the company immediately shut down the production of the affected units and quarantined the finished product in inventory. In addition, Peg Perego has sent representatives to the retailers to check for defective restraint systems.
Peg Perego also initiated a plan for a comprehensive public notice campaign to modify the defective units. The fix for the problem is relatively straight forward and only requires the use of a flat tip screwdriver. In addition, Peg Perego will send out letters to the registered owners.
Consumer Recourse:
Consumers with one of the defective restraint systems are urgently requested to call Peg Perego at 1-800-661-5050 regarding the arrangements to modify the restraint system. The consumer should have the model name, model number, and date of manufacture of the restraint system when making the call to the company. All of the identification information is located on the statement of compliance label affixed to the restraint system.
Additional information regarding this repair program can be found at Peg Perego Canada Inc. web site at www.pegperego.on.ca.
Transport Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Release Date: July 23, 2001