For immediate release
Transport Canada is advising the public that certain Canadian–marketed Volvo model vehicles (listed below) equipped with integrated or built-in booster cushions are inappropriately labelled. The label indicates that the booster cushion may be used for children weighing at least 15 kg or 33 lbs, which is prohibited in several provinces in Canada. The owner's manual is also incorrect. The correct minimum weight should be 18 kg or 40 lbs. It is Transport Canada's position that, should an underweight child be placed in the booster cushion and the vehicle be involved in a collision, specifically a rollover event, the child could be seriously injured due to ejection or partial ejection.
Certain Volvo model vehicles may come equipped with integral or built-in booster cushions, either as standard equipment, or as an extra cost optional equipment item, depending on the model specifications. Transport Canada has received six inquiries with respect to inappropriate labelling of the booster cushion. To date, there have been no reported injuries associated with the use of the integrated booster cushions in Volvo vehicles.
Owners of affected vehicles should contact the nearest Volvo dealership for further information. Children under 18 kg (40 lbs) will obtain optimum protection when properly restrained in a specific child restraint system with an internal harness. Transport Canada is encouraging owners and operators of the affected vehicles to ensure that children continue to use their child restraint system until they are at least 18 kg (40 lbs).
Volvo Canada will be forwarding letters to owners of affected Volvo vehicles advising that these integrated or built-in booster cushions should only be used by children who have outgrown their child restraint system, and who weigh at least 18 kg (40 lbs). For sold units, Volvo Canada will make sure that the information stated and provided with the vehicle is updated to reflect the minimum weight use limit of 18 kg (40 lbs). In addition, label changes will be made for the 2007 model year Canadian Volvo vehicles effective May 2006.
Approximately 13,000 Canadian-marketed Volvo vehicles equipped with integrated booster cushions are affected. Volvo models which may have this integrated booster cushion option include:
1996 Volvo 960; 1996-1997 Volvo 850; 1998-2006 Volvo V70; 1999, 2001-2002 Volvo V70XC; 2001-2003 Volvo V40; 2001-2003 and 2005 Volvo S40; 2005-2006 Volvo V50; 2003-2006 Volvo XC70; and 2004-2006 Volvo XC90.
Transport Canada investigated the matter and determined that the safety standard addressing integrated booster cushions, while requiring vehicle manufacturers to declare their recommended weight use range, do not identify the requisite minimum weight use limit of 18 kg (40 lbs), as is identified for non-integrated booster cushions under the Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Cushions Safety Regulations.
The Provinces and Territories, who mandate and enforce the use of children's restraint systems, require that every child weighing less than 18 kg (40 lbs) be properly restrained in an infant restraint system or child restraint system. Should an underweight child be placed in the booster cushion there is the potential that vehicle owners and operators could be in violation of the various provincial and territorial highway traffic legislation and subject to penalties.
For additional information about correct usage of the Volvo integrated booster seat, please call a Volvo dealership or Volvo Canada's National Customer Service at 1-800-663-8255.
A public information notice issued by Transport Canada on February 28, 2006 and further information on Volvo integrated booster cushions can be found on Transport Canada's website at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-notices-d200602-menu-324.htm.
Media requiring more information:
Anne-Marie Bouchard
Transport Canada
(613) 993-0055