Transport Canada is advising the public of a potential safety issue related to harness slippage of child restraints with respect to Cosco, Eddie Bauer, Safety 1st, Maxi-Cosi and Schwinn products. A total of 135,146 units manufactured from May 01, 2008 to April 30, 2009 inclusively are affected in Canada. Transport Canada has received a total of 10 complaints, but there have been no reported injuries associated with this issue in Canada. The affected models can be viewed on Transport Canada's website at the following address: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-notices-2011p01-1156.htm.
Issue and Safety Risk: The centre front adjuster mechanism may not allow the adjustment webbing to lock in place, which can result in potential loosening of the harness system of the child restraints affected models. In the event of a motor vehicle collision, should the harness system loosen, the child/infant may not be fully protected.
Company Action and Consumer Recourse: Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. has completed an intensive internal audit as to the number and dates of manufacture of the affected units. They have developed a repair kit for the affected unit, which includes the application of a non-toxic food grade lubricant onto the centre front adjuster, which corrects the problem.
Consumers who have completed and returned their registration card will receive a notice by mail. Consumers should visit the Dorel Juvenile Group's website at www.djgusa.com/safety_notice to verify if their model is subject to the safety issue described in this public notice. If their model is affected, the consumer should complete the online order form to obtain the free repair kit. Consumers may also email the company at http://mailto:harnessadjustment@djgusa.com or call the toll-free Consumer Relations number 1-866-446-2628 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
Consumers should not return the product to retail stores.
Until the repair kit, which consists of the lubricant and detailed instructions is received, Dorel Distribution Canada recommends the continued use of the product, but to verify the tightness of the harness system every time the restraint system is used.
A public notice was issued by Transport Canada on February 14, 2011, and further information on affected models can be found on Transport Canada's website at: http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-notices-2011p01-1156.htm
Contact:
Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055