NHTSA Announces Nationwide Recall of 6 Popular Car Seat Models Due to Potential Injury Hazard

Of all the baby gear out there, the car seat is one that is used the most, which is why it’s extra important to keep an eye out for safety notices and recalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration just issued a big one, for six different models of Britax car seats totaling more than 114,600 units.

The issue is with the handle: On these models, a screw can come loose, causing the handle to partially detach. That opens the child up to risks of tumbling out and getting injured.

“Britax is announcing a voluntary, precautionary product safety action affecting certain discontinued B-Safe and Endeavours model car seats last manufactured on May 16, 2023,” the company said in a statement emailed to Good Housekeeping. “We have identified that, in rare cases involving extended use and wear, the carry handle may partially detach, creating a potential hazard. There have been no reports of serious injury associated with this condition. Many of the potentially affected products are also nearing the end of their designated expiration period. Caregivers are reminded never to use an expired car seat, as outlined in the product user manual. Products subject to this safety action should be carried or lifted by the shell until a remedy kit becomes available.”

Which models of car seats have been affected?

There are six Britax models currently being recalled for the handle defect. They are:

• B-Safe Gen 2
• B-Safe Gen 2 Flexfit
• B-Safe Gen 2 Flexfit Plus
• B-Safe 35
• B-Safe Ultra
• Endeavours

The production dates vary, but some of the models go all the way back to 2020. Visit the NHTSA’s website to find more information about the production dates on the recalled models.

What do you do if you have a recalled car seat?

At the moment, the remedy is still in progress. The NHTSA reports that owner letters are expected to go out by October 19 to owners who have registered their car seats. Families who have purchased their car seats can also call Britax’s customer service number at (888) 427-4829.

The safest thing to do in the meantime would be to discontinue use of the car seat until a remedy is offered. If that’s not possible, definitely stop carrying it around by the handle.

“Owners should register their car seats at us.britax.com/registration to receive recall updates directly from Britax, including notification when the remedy kit is available to request, which is currently expected in the next several weeks,” the Britax statement said.

Other safety considerations for car seats

To ensure that car seats are used safely and properly, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Keep an eye out for recalls, both on the NHTSA website and the Consumer Product Safety Commission website.
• Always register your purchases to be informed of recalls directly by the company as soon as they happen.
• Refrain from buying car seats used, or from taking hand-me-down car seats, since it’s almost impossible to know their history, and safety laws may have changed since they were first manufactured.
• Keep an eye on the weight and height requirements for car seat use, and make sure to move to the next size up when kids have outgrown them.
• Make sure that car seats are installed correctly. Attend an event where professionals can check the installation—some cities and towns even have a service where the local police or fire station can check to make sure it’s in right.

Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics’s website for more information on the kinds of car seats out there, the safest spot in the car to install a car seat, and what models work best for which kids.