Britax Roundabout infant and child restraint system – fit requirements

TP 14566
Public Notice
Child Restraint Systems
2008-P02 E

 

 

Manufacturer:
Britax Child Safety, Inc.
13501 South Ridge Drive
Charlotte, NC 28273
U.S.A.
Tel.: 704-409-1700
Fax: 704-409-1710
Website: www.BritaxUSA.com

 

 

Consumer Contact:
Britax Consumer Services Information Line: 1-800-683-2045

Model and Model Numbers Affected:
Britax Roundabout - E9O16 and E9L16

Dates of Manufacture:
January 1, 1999 to December 15, 2007, inclusive

Number of Units:
Approximately 10,700

Geographic Distribution:
Across Canada

 

 

Issue and Safety Risk:

 

 

Britax Child Safety, Inc. ("Britax") has determined that certain Roundabout infant/child restraint systems do not comply with the requirements under section 6 of Schedule 4 to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Restraint Systems and Booster Cushions Safety Regulations, which specify that every part of an infant restraint system must be adjustable to snugly fit around the infant in the system.

The affected Roundabout units are recommended for rear-facing use by children whose weight is between birth and 13.6 kg (30 lbs) and whose height is between birth and 76 cm (30 inches). For infants in the lower range of weight and height, the lowest harness slots may not allow the infant to be snugly secured when the restraint system is installed rear facing. In rear-facing installation, the harness straps must be located at the nearest slots at or below the child's shoulders. Generally, infants seated rear facing with a weight below 2.3 kg (5 lbs) and a height below 55.9 cm (22 in) are most affected resulting in harness straps being incorrectly positioned at or above the child's shoulders. In such a situation, these smaller occupants would be at greater risk of injury or death during a severe vehicle crash.

To date, there have been no reported injuries associated with this issue.

Company Action and Consumer Recourse:

Britax will provide to all registered owners a safety notification with updated product labels and User Guide inserts containing instructions and recommendations related to continued usage. The product labels and user guides have been revised to reflect fit recommendations and recommended rear-facing use by children whose weight is between 2.3 and 13.6 kg (5 - 30 lbs) and height is between 55.9 and 76.2 cm (22 - 30 inches). Consumers that have an affected Roundabout and have not registered their restraint system should contact Britax at 1-800-683-2045 or online at www.BritaxCanadaRecall.com to receive a product update kit.

Parents and caregivers can continue to use the Roundabout safely; however, if at any time the lower harness slots are not located at or below the infant's shoulders in the rear-facing installation, selection of a different child seat, such as an infant carrier, may be required. The affected restraint systems should not be returned to the Britax retailer.

Transport Canada: 1-800-333-0371

Release Date: March 18, 2008