TP 2436
Road Safety Leaflet # D-2005-01 (E)
Manufacturer:
Dorel Juvenile Group USA
2525 State Street
Columbus IN 47201
USA
Importer & Distributor:
Dorel Juvenile Group Canada
12345 Albert Hudon suite 100
Montreal QC H1G 3K9
Media Contact:
David Hall: 1 514 332-3737
Consumer Contact:
Consumer Service: 1 800 544-1108
Models Affected and Model Numbers:
Cosco Alpha Omega Elite, 22C51 xxx
Eddie Bauer Deluxe 22C71 xxx
Number of Units:
Approximately 41,000
Dates of Manufacture:
Feb. 01, 2004 to Sept. 30, 2004
Geographic Distribution:
All Canada
Problem:
During installation of a Cosco Alpha Omega restraint system in the rear-facing mode, the restraint can be made to change position while the seat belt assembly is being affixed. Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.1 - Infant Restraint Systems does not permit a restraint system to change position unless designed to do so.
Background:
During a routine rear-facing installation, the Cosco Alpha Omega Elite restraint system moved from the most reclined position to an upright position while tightening the seat belt assembly. Transport Canada opened a public complaint and informed Dorel Juvenile Group Canada (DJG Canada) of the problem. DJG Canada and Transport Canada held a meeting to discuss and demonstrate the problem.
DJG Canada performed detailed testing and evaluation to resolve this problem. DJG Canada has made changes to ensure that the problem has been resolved.
Transport Canada has received four complaints while DJG has not received any in either Canada or the United States.
Company Action:
On receipt of a public complaint, the company will suggest that the complainant remove the base from the shell. This will prevent any shift in position. The base can be reinstalled when the restraint is moved to the forward-facing mode.
Safety Risk:
There is no indication that there is a safety risk to the occupant of the restraint. While affixing the seat belt or the Universal Anchorage System (UAS) in the rear-facing position the restraint can move to a more upright position. The change in position from reclined to upright occurs while the system is being installed in the vehicle and prior to a child being placed in the restraint. Therefore, the guardian is aware of the problem and will rectify it before using the restraint.
Consumer Recourse:
Any individual who experiences this problem should remove the base from the restraint system. The base can be reinstalled when the restraint is used in the forward-facing mode.
Transport Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Release Date: January 5, 2005