Child safety seats are designed to protect children in the event of a crash, but even products that meet safety standards can have defects or safety concerns that result in a recall.
Staying informed about car seat safety recalls is an important part of keeping your child safe every time they travel. Registering your car seat and checking for recalls can help make sure you receive important safety information if a problem is discovered.
What Is a Car Seat Safety Recall?
A safety recall occurs when a manufacturer or a government safety agency determines that a car seat has a safety defect or does not meet applicable safety requirements.
A recall might involve a variety of problems, such as a defective buckle or harness component, a structural problem, a part that can break or detach, or another issue that could increase the risk of injury.
If a car seat is recalled, the manufacturer will provide instructions explaining what consumers should do. Depending on the recall, the remedy might include a repair, a replacement part, a replacement seat, a refund, or updated instructions.
Never assume that you need to throw away a recalled car seat. Check the specific recall notice and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate remedy.
How to Check for Car Seat Recalls
Don’t wait until you hear about a recall in the news. You can check your car seat yourself.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a recall database that allows you to search for recalls involving car seats. You’ll need information such as the car seat’s brand, model name or number, and date of manufacture.
You can also check recall information through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which publishes recalls and safety warnings for many children’s products.
Check NHTSA’s Car Seat Recalls
NHTSA also offers the free SaferCar app, which can send recall notifications for registered vehicles and equipment, including car seats.
Register Your Car Seat
One of the easiest ways to stay informed about car seat safety recalls is to register your car seat with the manufacturer.
Most new car seats come with a registration card, and manufacturers also typically provide an online registration option. Registration allows the manufacturer to contact you directly if a recall or other important safety notice affects your particular seat.
NHTSA specifically recommends registering your car seat so you can receive recall and safety notifications.
If you’ve misplaced the registration card, contact the manufacturer or visit its website to find out how to register the seat.
Know Your Car Seat’s Model and Date of Manufacture
Keep the car seat’s identifying information somewhere you can easily find it.
Look for the label containing information such as:
- Manufacturer or brand name
- Model name or number
- Date of manufacture
- Other identifying information listed by the manufacturer
You’ll need this information when checking whether your particular car seat is affected by a recall.
This information is especially important if you’re using a secondhand car seat. NHTSA recommends checking the model number and date of manufacture to determine whether a used seat has been recalled or has reached its expiration date.
What Should You Do If Your Car Seat Is Recalled?
If you discover that your car seat has been recalled, read the recall notice carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Depending on the problem, the manufacturer may provide a replacement part, repair instructions, a replacement seat, refund, or another remedy.
If the recall instructions say to stop using the seat immediately, do not continue using it while waiting for the remedy. Follow any temporary safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.
If you’re unsure what to do, contact the manufacturer directly.
What If the Manufacturer Is No Longer in Business?
An older car seat from a manufacturer that is no longer in business deserves particular caution because you may not be able to obtain replacement parts, instructions, or a recall remedy.
Before using an older or secondhand car seat, check NHTSA’s recall information and look for the manufacturer’s expiration date and other identifying information.
If you cannot verify the seat’s history, expiration date, recall status, or necessary components, don’t use it. A car seat with an unknown history isn’t worth the risk.
Check Your Car Seat Even If There Isn’t a Recall
A car seat doesn’t have to be recalled to be unsuitable for your child.
Regularly inspect the seat for signs of damage or excessive wear. Check the harness, buckle, padding, cover, and other components, and make sure nothing is missing or broken.
You should also check the manufacturer’s expiration date. Car seats have different expiration periods, so don’t assume that a particular age automatically makes every car seat unsafe. Follow the expiration information provided by the manufacturer.
If the car seat has been involved in a crash, check the manufacturer’s instructions and current safety guidance before continuing to use it. NHTSA recommends replacing car seats after moderate or severe crashes; seats involved in minor crashes may not always need to be replaced if all of NHTSA’s criteria for a minor crash are met.
Don’t Ignore Safety Notices
A recall doesn’t necessarily mean that every car seat of a particular model has failed or that the seat is immediately dangerous in every situation. It means a specific safety concern has been identified and consumers need to follow the instructions provided for that recall.
That’s why registering your seat and keeping your contact information up to date can be so important.
Make checking for recalls part of your regular car seat safety routine, especially if you have an older seat or received a car seat from a friend or family member.
The Bottom Line
Your child’s car seat is one of the most important safety products you’ll use, so it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure it is still safe and appropriate.
Register your car seat, check for recalls, know its expiration date, inspect it regularly, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you discover a recall, don’t panic—and don’t simply throw the seat away. Find out what remedy the manufacturer provides and follow the recall instructions carefully.
A few minutes spent checking your car seat can help ensure that the safety equipment you’re counting on is ready to protect your child when you need it most.
