Motor Vehicle Safety
Information: 1-800-333-0371
TP 14566 – Public Notice
Child Restraint Systems
2014-P06 E
July 11, 2014
Manufacturer:
Graco Children’s Products Inc.
3 Glenlake Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30328
U.S.A.
www.gracobaby.com
Importer and Distributor:
Elfe Juvenile Products
4500 Thimens
Montreal, QC H4R 2P2
www.graco.net
Consumer Contact:
service@graco.net or 1-800-667-8184
Media Contact:
Ivan T. Bern @ 1-514-344-3533
Models and Model Numbers Affected:
Snugride 22 & Snugride 22 Classic Connect:
1763080, 1771793, 1789383, 1793562, 1805076, 1805077, 1805189, 1805204, 1805270, 1805293, 1805294, 1807872, 1809000, 1809352, 1812134, 1812846, 1813567, 1813569, 1856994, and 1856996
Snugride 30 & Snugride 30 Classic Connect:
1810993, 1812393, 1814648, 1818682, 1819044, 1819703, 1819730, 1819856, 1826250, 1853434, and 1860285
SnugRide 35 & Snugride 35 Classic Connect:
1760601, 1786420, 1786501, 1788617, 1788618, 1810490, 1810511, 1810997, 1812135, 1812178, 1812179, 1812395, 1813829, and 1817149
Aprica 30:
1821131
Dates of Manufacture:
Snugride 22: March 2011 – May 2013
Snugride 30: July 2010 – January 2013
Snugride 35: May 2011 – January 2013
Aprica 30: July 2011 – April 2012
Number of Units:
127,497
Geographic Distribution:
Across Canada
Issue:
On certain Graco SnugRide and Aprica infant/child car seats manufactured between the dates mentioned above, the release button on the buckle guides the caregiver’s finger to the center of the button, rather than towards the top. Consumers relying on touch and pressing in the center of the button may have more difficulty in releasing the harness than they would by pressing the button in the more optimal location near the top edge. Additionally, the position of the buckle close to the child occupant’s thighs may cause manipulation of the buckle to be more difficult as the child occupant grows in size.
The model number, model name and date of manufacture can be found on the underside of the car seat. A picture of a sample label is provided below.
Safety Risk:
If this problem occurs, parents or caregivers may have difficulty removing the child from the car seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an emergency situation where prompt exit from the vehicle is required. There is no risk if the buckle is able to be operated correctly.
Car seats manufactured after May 2013 use a different harness buckle which requires less force to operate.
Consumer Recourse:
All registered owners will receive a letter containing proper use instructions and information on how to obtain a replacement buckle. A free repair kit consisting of a new and improved buckle as well as installation instructions will be sent to all consumers who register online at www.graco.net.
Non-registered owners, or owners who have moved, should contact the Canadian distributor, Elfe Juvenile Products, at 1-800-667-8184 or service@graco.net to obtain a free repair kit or if they have any questions. Consumers can also obtain information or register online for a free repair kit at: www.graco.net.
Graco will also offer a replacement buckle at no cost to any consumer who has an infant car seat not included in this recall, but who would like to update their buckle to Graco’s current buckle design. The installation of the harness is very straightforward and a clear instruction leaflet is provided. Additional assistance can be found at www.graco.net.
Recalled Harness Buckle
New and improved Harness Buckle
