Partner at AKD Lawyers
Practice Areas: Personal Injury
Keeping children safe while traveling is one of every parent’s most significant concerns. Car seats are one of the most essential tools for protecting kids in a crash, but even the best-made seats can sometimes be recalled due to defects. Knowing what to do when a car seat recall happens is key to making sure your child stays protected.
In this guide, we’ll explain how car seat recalls work, how to check if yours is affected, what steps to take next, and when to replace a seat—even if it hasn’t been recalled.
Why Car Seat Recalls Matter
Car seat recalls are issued when a manufacturer or the government finds a problem that could affect a seat’s performance. This could include issues like a faulty buckle, weak straps, or an error in how the seat is labeled or installed. These problems may seem small but can have profound effects in a crash.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, regulates federal safety regulations for all child car seats sold in the United States .
Once a recall is announced, companies are required to fix the issue, often through a free repair or replacement. But the fix only works if you know about it — and act.
Common Reasons for Car Seat Recalls
Car seat recalls can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common ones include:
- Defective buckles that may not stay locked during an accident
- Frayed or weak straps that can snap under pressure
- Cracked plastic shells that don’t hold up in a collision
- Improper installation guides that lead to incorrect use
- Seat parts detaching, such as base separation or handles breaking
Some recalls are announced voluntarily by the manufacturer, while others come after government testing or injury reports.
Car seats have expiration dates because materials can degrade, making them less effective in a crash. – American Academy of Pediatrics.
Past examples include recalls by Evenflo, Graco, and Britax for buckle failures and base instability.
How to Check If Your Car Seat Has Been Recalled
If you’re not sure whether your child’s car seat is under recall, it’s easy to check:
- Check with NHTSA- Use the NHTSA Car Seat Recall Lookup Tool. You’ll need the model number and manufacture date, usually found on a label underneath or on the side of the car seat.
- Visit the Manufacturer’s Website- Most brands like Britax, Evenflo, and Graco allow you to search for recalls by model number directly on their websites.
- Contact Customer Support- Call the manufacturer and provide the label information. They can confirm if your seat is affected and explain what to do next.
- Register Your Car Seat- If you haven’t already, register your seat online or using the card that came with it. This ensures you’ll receive direct notification of any future recalls.
Registering your car seat ensures you’re directly notified of any safety recalls. – Safe Kids Worldwide
What to Do If Your Car Seat Is Recalled
Learning that your child’s seat has been recalled can feel overwhelming. The good news is that most recalls include clear steps for repair or replacement.
Read the Recall Notice
Each recall includes details about the problem and its severity. It will tell you whether the seat can still be used and what action is needed.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
You might be asked to:
- Install a free repair kit
- Replace a part
- Return the seat for a replacement or refund
Most recalls offer free repair kits or seat replacements if the defect affects safety. – Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Stop Using the Seat if Necessary
If the defect could cause harm in a crash, don’t use the seat until it’s fixed.
When to Replace a Car Seat (Even If It’s Not Recalled)
Even if a seat hasn’t been recalled, there are other reasons to replace it. Here’s a quick reference guide:
When to Replace a Car Seat: A Quick Reference
|
Reason for Replacement |
Recommended Action |
| Recalled for safety defect | Follow recall notice; replace if required |
| Child exceeds weight/height limits | Switch to next size or booster seat |
| Seat is past expiration date | Stop use; purchase a new model |
| Seat was in a moderate/severe crash | Discontinue use; replace immediately |
| Visible damage (cracks, frays) | Stop using and replace |
Preventive Tips to Stay Ahead of Recalls
Some simple habits can help you keep your child safe before any problem arises:
- Inspect your seat regularly for loose parts or damage.
- Keep your registration and contact information up to date.
- Check the NHTSA website every few months for new recalls.
- Avoid secondhand car seats unless you know the whole history.
Regular inspections and proper maintenance can help ensure your car seat remains a reliable safeguard.
Legal Implications of Defective Car Seats
When a car seat fails and causes harm, the injury may not be the parent’s fault — it could be a product defect. In Louisiana, product manufacturers can be held responsible if their design, warning label, or manufacturing process creates an unsafe product.
The outcome of any case depends on its specific facts. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. – Required Louisiana disclaimer.
If your child has been hurt by a recalled for faulty seat, a personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and the next steps under Louisiana law.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check if my child’s car seat has been recalled?
Visit the NHTSA recall lookup tool or the manufacturer’s website. Enter the model number and manufacturing date found on your seat’s label.
What should I do if I find out my car seat was recalled?
Please read the recall notice carefully and contact the manufacturer for guidance. You may be eligible for a repair kit, new part, or full replacement.
Can I still use a car seat after an accident?
If the seat was involved in a moderate or severe crash, it should be replaced. Even minor impacts can weaken the seat’s structure in invisible ways.
Why do car seats expire?
Over time, materials like plastic and foam break down. Exposure to heat and sunlight can also weaken parts, making expired seats unsafe.
Can I take legal action if my child is injured due to a defective car seat?
Yes. Under Louisiana law, you may be able to pursue compensation from the manufacturer. A personal injury lawyer can explain your options.
Conclusion
Car seat recalls are more than just warnings — they’re safety alerts that demand attention. Acting quickly can make a big difference in preventing injuries. By registering your seat, staying updated on recalls, and knowing when to replace it, you’re taking the necessary steps to protect your child.
If your child has been injured due to a defective or recalled car seat, the attorneys at Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm are ready to help. Please make an appointment for a free consultation with Alvendia, Kelly & Demarest Law Firm right now to find out how they can support your future.
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In 2003, after being dissatisfied with the quality of legal care for victims of car accidents, Roderick ‘Rico’ Alvendia sought to establish a new firm focused on providing high-quality legal services to aid injured victims and their families. J. Bart Kelly, sharing Rico’s passion for upholding justice, joined the firm later that year, and established a partnership.
