TP 14566 – Public Notice
Child Restraint Systems
2011-P01 E
February 14, 2011
Road Safety
Information: 1-800-333-0371
Manufacturer:
Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc.
2525 State Street
Columbus IN 47201
U.S.A.
Web site: www.djgusa.com
Email: harnessadjustment@djgusa.com
Importer and Distributor:
Dorel Distribution Canada
873 Hodge Street
Montreal QC H4N 2B1
Consumer Contact:
1-866-446-2628
Media Contact:
Rick Leckner 1-514-731-0000
Models Affected:
Maxi-Cosi Mico
22371CMJR, 22371CPHT, 22371CLYP, 22371CPNG
Safety 1st Enspira
22453COGI, 22458CNYC
Cosco Alpha Omega
22153CBNG, 22163CMSN, 22163CSGT, 22192CJOL, 22192CSNP, 22C15TUX, 22C26BNG
Eddie Bauer 3-in-1
22C75EBN, 22C76SHL
Safety 1st Alpha Omega
22470CTTN, 22471CPHO, 22551CBLA
Cosco Alpha Omega Elite
22168CHTR, 22168CRGO, 22C51HMR
Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1
22715CMTT, 22754CHPN, 22756CFMT, 22756CLRS, 22757CLNG, 22758CFRK, 22768CBYT, 22768CPST, 22768CSNW, 22790CCGT, 22790CCHL, 22790CSNW, 22C71BGL
Safety 1st Alpha Omega Elite
22411CBLL, 22455CJTT, 22456CTTN, 22465CBMT, 22748CRDH, 22749CCAO
Schwinn All Terrain
22181CUGO
Safety 1st Vantage
22564CNTR3
Eddie Bauer Comfort
22868CSNW
Eddie Bauer SureFit
22-659CMTT
| Models Affected: | Travel System Model No. | Infant Seat Model No. |
|---|---|---|
| Eddie Bauer Endeavor Travel System | 01190CFRK | 22659CFRK |
| Eddie Bauer Endeavor Travel System | 01190CSNW | 22659CSNW |
| Eddie Bauer Endeavor Travel System | 01190CWPR | 22659CWPR |
Dates of Manufacture:
May 01, 2008 – April 30, 2009 inclusively
Number of Units:
135,146
Geographic Distribution:
Across Canada
Note: A travel system includes a stroller, an infant car seat, and a car seat base. The stroller portion of these units is not affected. The date of manufacture and model number can be found on a label on the side or the back of the restraint system.
Issue:
The centre front adjuster mechanism on the above mentioned restraint systems may not allow the adjustment webbing to lock in place which can result in potential loosening of the harness system. The locking clamp of the adjuster may not rotate freely and the adjuster strap may pull through the adjuster in the lock direction. If the harness system loosens, the resulting slack may reduce the effectiveness of the restraint system in a motor vehicle collision. To date, there have been no reported injuries associated with this issue in Canada.
Background and Company Action:
Transport Canada has received a total of ten complaints stating that, during normal driving manoeuvres, the harness system would loosen. The majority of these restraint systems were procured from the complainants for examination. It was discovered that, with minimal force, the harness systems could be loosened. It appeared that the centre front adjuster, which is used for tightening and loosening the harness system, was not gripping the adjuster strap webbing and therefore allowed the harness to slip. This problem was reported to Dorel Distribution Canada and a number of the restraint systems were sent to them for examination. In addition, Transport Canada and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the United States have been working together on this issue.
Safety Risk:
In the event of a motor vehicle collision, should the harness system loosen, the child/infant may not be fully protected. If the restraint system were forward facing then the harness loosening could affect the allowable limit for the head to move forward (head excursion) in a collision. The loosening of the harness system and subsequent excessive movement of the child’s body and head could lead to serious injury. In a rear-facing restraint system, the harness prevents the body from moving upward or ramping. Looseness of the harness may allow for the head to come up and over the back of the restraint potentially causing neck injuries.
Company Action:
Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. has completed an intensive internal audit as to the number and dates of manufacture of the affected units. They have developed a repair for the affected unit, which includes the application of a non-toxic food grade lubricant onto the centre front adjuster, which corrects the problem. This repair has been tested by the company for long-term effectiveness.
Consumer Recourse:
Consumers who have completed and returned their registration card will receive a notice by mail. Consumers should visit the Dorel Juvenile Group’s website to verify if their model is included in this public notice. If their model is included in this public notice, the consumer should complete the online order form to obtain the free repair kit. Consumers may also email the company or call the toll-free Consumer Relations number 1-866-446-2628 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Consumers should not return the product to retail stores.
Until the repair kit consisting of the lubricant and detailed instructions is received, Dorel Distribution Canada recommends the continued use of the product but to verify the tightness of the harness system every time the restraint system is used.
Transport Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Release Date: February 14, 2011