Evenflo child car seats – harness buckle replacement

Motor Vehicle Safety
Information: 1-800-333-0371

TP 14566 – Public Notice
Child Restraint Systems
2014-P04 E
May 1^st, 2014

Manufacturer:

Evenflo Company, Inc.
1801 Commerce Drive
Piqua, OH 45356 USA
www.evenflo.com

Importer and Distributor:

Evenflo Company, Inc.
2 Robert Speck Parkway
Mississauga, ON L4Z 1H8

Consumer Contact:

www.buckle.evenflo.com or 1-800-490-7591

Media Contact:

Harbinger Ideas
Erin Morra (emorra@harbingerideas.com)

Models, Model Numbers and Dates of Manufacture Affected:

See table below

Number of Units:

118,557

Geographic Distribution:

Across Canada

Issue:

On certain Evenflo child car seats manufactured between 2011 and 2014, the buckle may become contaminated with foreign material, such as food or dried liquids. Over time, the buckle may become progressively more difficult to unlatch or become stuck in the latched position.

Safety Risk:

If this problem occurs, it may be difficult or impossible to unlatch the buckle, which could delay the removal of a child from the seat and increase the risk of injury in an emergency situation in which a prompt exit from the vehicle is required. There is no risk if the buckle is not contaminated and is functioning normally.

This recall affects only select child car seats manufactured between 2011 and 2014 and does not affect any Evenflo infant car seats and travel systems. The model number, model name and date of manufacture can be found on a label affixed to the back of the seat. Please see the label example and table below to determine if your child’s seat is impacted.

Consumer Recourse:

Registered owners will be sent a letter informing them of the issue and directing them to a dedicated website (www.buckle.evenflo.com) or telephone number (1-800-490-7591) where they can place their order to obtain a replacement buckle free of charge, as well as instructions and videos regarding how to install the replacement buckle.

Non-registered owners of affected car seats, or owners who have moved should also contact Evenflo at 1-800-490-7591, or register online at: www.buckle.evenflo.com.

Orders for the free repair kit are being filled on a rolling basis as they are received, and most consumers can expect to receive their repair kit within 2-3 weeks after ordering. While waiting for the replacement buckle to arrive, if the original buckle is difficult to unlatch, the buckle can be cleaned to restore functionality. Instructions on how to clean the buckle can be found at: www.buckle.evenflo.com.