All Britax Recalls - Thru Dec. 2007

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BRITAX CHILD SAFETY, INC. 1-888-4BRITAX (888-427-4829).



Model(s): Decathlon - E9L47 - Child Restraint System
Production Dates: February 12, 2005 - July 31, 2007
Defect: Certain Britax Decathlon child restraint systems, Model E9L47, manufactured from February 12, 2005, through July 31, 2007. The harness adjuster housing can pop out of position which makes it difficult to adjust the harness to fit snuggly around the child. In the event of a vehicle crash, a child could suffer injuries if the harness is not properly adjusted.
Corrective Action: Britax will send notices to all registered owners, which will consist of the necessary parts to repair their child restraint system(s) along with repair instructions free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on August 17, 2007. Owners can contact Britax at 1-800-683-2045 or visit their website at Britax : Safe for a reason.
NHTSA No.: 07C-005
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#080701]



Model(s): Regent Classic - E9L3998 - Forward-facing only youth child restraint system
Production Dates: December 18, 2006 - January 18, 2007
Noncompliance: These child restraint systems were produced with an incorrect label sewn to the fabric cover which fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." In place of the "WARNING! Death or serious injury can occur" warning label, an airbag warning label was attached. The airbag warning label is not required for the Regent Classic restraint as it is a forward-facing only youth restraint system.
Corrective Action: Owners that have filed a registration card with Britax will automatically receive a replacement cover. Owners or caregivers who have not filed a registration form should contact Britax Consumer Services Department at 1-888-4britax (1-888-427-4829) or via email at regentcoverreplacement@britaxusa.com. The recall is expected to begin on March 9, 2007.
NHTSA No.: 07C-002
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#020701]
Model(s): Marathon child restraint systems, Models E9l06, E9W06, and E906
Production Dates: May 23, 2006 - July 28, 2006
Defect: During testing, the tether hook opened which fails to conform to the dynamic performance and child restraint system integrity requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." Under certain circumstances, if a child exceeds 50 pounds and the vehicle manufacturer allows use of the top tether above 50 pounds, upon vehicle impact, the top tether hook may open and have the potential to release from the tether anchor. In the event of a crash, the child may move forward further than allowed under FMVSS 213. If this were to occur, there is a risk of potential injury to the child.
Corrective Action: Britax will notify all registered owners and provide a repair kit along with instructions free of charge. Owners can contact Britax at 1-800-683-2045 or visit their website at Britax : Safety is Always in Fashion ®. Notes: The manufacturer's petition which requested that NHTSA determine this FMVSS noncompliance does not create an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety was denied on August 21, 2007. Therefore, Britax is obligated to conduct an owner notification and remedy campaign.
NHTSA No.: 06C-004
NOTE: Britax will not assign a recall number to this campaign. Please refer to the NHTSA recall number listed above.



Model(s): Boulevard - E9L57 - Child restraint systems
Production Dates: March 1, 2006 - August 1, 2006
Noncompliance: During testing, the tether hook opened which fails to conform to the dynamic performance and child restraint system integrity requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems."
Corrective Action: If the top tether hook opens during a crash, the child restraint could change from an upright to a reclined position increasing the risk of injury to the child. Registered owners will automatically receive labels along with instructions advising caregivers to discontinue use of the top tether when the child reaches 50 lbs. Non-registered owners can obtain labels by contacting Britax at 1-888-427-4829. The recall is expected to begin on December 1, 2006.
NHTSA No.: 06C003000
NOTE: Britax will not assign a recall number to this campaign. Please refer to the NHTSA recall number listed above.



Model(s): Companion - E9L14 - Rear Facing Infant Only
Production Dates: October 31, 2003 - June 6, 2004
Noncompliance: Due to an incorrect assembly of some of the infant carriers, tabs on the bottom of the carrier may not be properly seated. These child restraints fail to conform to the frontal impact crash requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." In the event of a vehicle crash, the carrier would rotate beyond the limit required by law, possibly resulting in serious injury or even death to the child.
Corrective Action: Britax will notify all registered owners and instruct owners to inspect the bottom of the carrier for incorrect assembly. If the carrier has an incorrect assembly, Britax will replace the carrier and the base free of charge. If the carrier has an incorrect assembly, owners are advised that they may continue using the carrier without the base until they receive a new restraint system. Proper instructions on installing the carrier in the car without the base are provided in the product users' guide. Installation instructions are also available online at Britax : Safe for a reason. The recall is expected to begin on September 29, 2006. Owners may contact Britax's toll-free number at 1-888-427-4829.
NHTSA No.: 06C002000
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#090601]



Model(s): Super Elite Child Restraint System, Model E9031
Production Dates: April 2001 through August 2002
Defect: The adjuster assembly can stick in the open position which may result in a loose harness. If the harness is loose while in operation, the child may not be properly protected in the event of a vehicle crash, possibly resulting in serious injury.
Corrective Action: Registered owners will automatically be sent a repair kit along with repair instructions. In the meantime, customers should continue to use the seat but check that the harness is secure before each use. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Britax toll free at 800-683-2045 or visit Britax's website at Britax : Safe for a reason.
NHTSA No.: 05C004000
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#050501]



Model(s): All Marathon (E9L06), Wizard (E9L07), Husky (E9L30) child restraints, as well as restraints manufactured by Britax for Snug Seat under the model name Traveller Plus (E9L32).
Production Dates:

* Marathon - 8/2/02 - 7/23/04
* Husky - 8/11/02 - 7/23/04
* Wizard - 7/16/03 - 7/23/04
* Traveller Plus - 12/2/03 - 7/23/04

Defect: The A-Lok adjuster assembly can allow slippage of the webbing resulting in loosening of the harness straps. If the slippage were to occur in the event of a vehicle crash, the child would move too far forward, possibly increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action: Registered owners will receive a replacement adjuster strap by September 30, 2004. In the meantime, registered owners will receive instructions on how to check the seat for slippage after every use. If slippage is occurring before replacement straps can be mailed, the use of the restraint should be stopped and customers should contact Britax for further assistance. Non-registered owners may obtain the free remedy by calling Britax at 1-800-683-2045, or visit Britax's web site, Britax : Safe for a reason, to receive a free kit or get more information. Non-registered owners are strongly urged to register their child seat with the manufacturer in case of future safety recalls.
NHTSA No.: 04C002000
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#080401]



Model(s): Husky child restraints
Production Dates: October 7, 2002 to December 8, 2003
Noncompliance: In the event of a vehicle crash, these restraints, when secured with a lap belt as described in the user's manual, could allow the child's head to move further forward than allowed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems."
Corrective Action: Registered owners will be provided with labels and instructions for the application of the labels to be placed over the corresponding instructions in the current user's guide and on the restraint cover. Non-registered owners are strongly urged to register their child seat with the manufacturer in case of future safety recalls. Parents should continue to use the seat while waiting to receive and install the repair kit because it will still provide better protection than an adult seat belt or no restraint.
NHTSA No.: 03C011000
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#120301]



Model(s): Super Elite youth restraints Model E9031
Production Dates: April 25, 2001, to February 15, 2002
Noncompliance: These seats do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." In the event of a vehicle crash, forces could cause the child's head to move further forward than allowed by Safety Standard 213.
Corrective Action: All consumers who returned a registration card to Britax will automatically receive a free replacement harness system along with instructions - including TPE pads (also known as hugs - harness ultra-guard system).
NHTSA No.: 03C008000
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#090301]



Model(s): Advantage convertible child restraint Model E9022
Production Dates: March 5, 2001, to July 26, 2001
Noncompliance: The tether brackets used during the affected period may allow one of the tether attachments to separate from the seat shell in a vehicle crash. Separation of one of the tether brackets from the seat shell could cause increased head excursion. These seats do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems."
Corrective Action: Britax will send out a metal ring replacement kit along with repair instructions to its customers free of charge. Customers can contact Britax at 704-409-1700 prompt 2 for questions and issues and to request the free replacement kit.
NHTSA No.: 01C058000 (PREVIOUS RECALL NUMBER 01E-058)
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#100101]



Model(s): Roundabout Model 161
Production Dates: January 13 - March 14, 1999
Noncompliance: The shells manufactured during this time may have been improperly molded and could allow higher head excursions than allowed by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." In a crash, additional head movement could allow a child's head to strike something in the vehicle and lead to injury. Customers are being instructed to call 1-800-683-2045 for this recall campaign only.
NHTSA No.: 00C034000 (PREVIOUS RECALL NUMBER 00E-034)
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#060001]



Model(s): Freeway Model 101
Production Dates: June 1, 1996 - April 18, 1997
Noncompliance: The belt buckle can open by lifting up on the "pushbutton" at less than the 9 pound minimum force required in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." This means that a child can more easily open the buckle.
Corrective Action: Britax will provide owners with a newly designed replacement buckle and installation instructions.
NHTSA No.: 97C012000 (PREVIOUS RECALL NUMBER 97E-012)

	Forward Facing Car Seats A forward-facing car seat is one in which the child sits facing the front of the car. The seat should be installed in the back seat of your vehicle. Most forward-facing only seats are for children above 20 pounds.

	Britax - Click for more info Britax International has been producing reliable child safety products for over 30 years. Not only does Britax have decades of experience creating car seats and other children's safety equipment, Britax has a long standing reputation as an industry leader and innovator. Britax International is headquartered in the United Kingdom, but Britax car seats are designed and manufactured at facilities in Germany, Austria, and the United States. In the summer of 2002, Britax strengthened their commitment to creating the safest car seats with the opening of a brand new, state-of-the-art crash testing facility in North Carolina. Britax car seats have a reputation around the world for being some of the safest, most reliable, and best designed child safety seats ever made.

	Rear Facing Car Seats A rear-facing seat is one in which the infant faces the back of the car. Always install a rear-facing seat in the back seat of your car. This is the safest position for an infant. NEVER place a rear-facing seat in the front seat of a vehicle with passenger airbags.

	Convertible Car Seats Convertible seats are for infants and toddlers. The seat can be used as a rear-facing seats for younger children, and switched to a forward-facing seat on the child's first birthday if the child weighs at least 20 pounds. However, experts recommend keeping the child in a rear-facing position until he or she outgrows the weight or height allowed by the safety seat.

	Infant Car Seats Infant-only rear-facing seats are for babies up to about 22 to 30 pounds, depending on the specific car seat. You will need a new seat when your child gets bigger. Infant-only seats have handles that allow you to move the seat from the car to the house or other locations. Some have a base that you can leave installed in the car, so you can just click the car seat into place each time you use it.

	Britax Companion - Click for more info It was not a surprise when Britax - a company known for their commitment to safety - came out with an infant seat that raises the bar in overall child safety with side impact protection. The Britax Companion infant seat was considered a safety revolution when it came out, and has only gotten better since. Needless to say, the design of the rear-facing Companion Infant Seat is pretty flawless. Plus, the in-car base makes it really easy to transport your child from your car to your house without waking them up.

	Britax Roundabout - Click for more info With the introduction of the new LATCH laws, Britax has improved even further upon their famously popular Roundabout Convertible Car Seat. This car seat has been praised by just about every consumer safety organization and mom and dad out there - and for good reason. It is easy to install, compatible in just about every car, super comfortable for baby, stylish and most importantly safe! Ask around and you will see that everyone raves about this car seat.

	Britax Marathon - Click for more info Increasing the time a child can safely stay in their convertible car seat is a big issue and Britax engineers have come through in a big way with the introduction of the Britax Marathon with LATCH. A LATCH Compatible Convertible Child Seat, the Britax Marathon can be used rear facing 5 to 33 pounds and forward facing from 20 to 65 pounds. Compare the numbers and you will see it is hard to find a seat with these weight limits that is safe and functional.

	Britax Boulevard - Click for more info It is all about the wings with the Britax Boulevard convertible car seat - head and torso safety wings help keep your child from harm in a side-impact crash. And this matters - side-impact crashes are the leading cause of death for 6 - 14 year-old children. Of course, the safety wings are only one of the many safety features that the Britax Boulevard offers: built-in lock-offs, 5-point harness with front adjuster, tangle-free webbing, a push button release LATCH system with Versa-Tether®, and a sculpted base, ensuring an easy installation with a secure fit.

	Britax Decathlon - Click for more info Like its predecessors the Britax Roundabout and the Britax Marathon, the Britax Decathlon is built around two core ideals: safety and comfort. Its easy to see that the Decathlon is comfortable: it's loaded with a 3-position crotch strap, patented HUGS harness system, plush (and washable!) seat cover, belly pad, removable toddler head pillow, and an infant positioning system for newborn babies. These features provide a comfortable, adjustable fit as your child grows - all the way from 5 to 65 pounds.

	Britax Regent - Click for more info The Britax Regent is the safe way to carry your older and larger passengers, all the way up to 80 lbs. Known as the "king of all car seats," the Britax Regent will accomodate your little king or queen for far longer than traditional car seats or booster seats. The Regent features a large roto-molded shell, comfy extra-thick comfort foam, washable covers, Patented Versa-Tether™, flexible buckle LATCH system, patented HUGS™ system, and tangle-free polyester 5-point harness.

	Top-Tether A top tether (or top strap) is the supplemental attachment now standard on almost every new carseat in the USA. Top tethers can be used with either the seat belt or with the lower anchors (as part of the LATCH system). In other countries, their use may be required by law. A top-tether is simply a strap that connects the top of the carseat to an anchor mounted in the vehicle at a location behind the carseat, usually the parcel shelf or a point on the floor of the cargo area. It is designed to prevent the forward movement of the top of a forward-facing carseat in a frontal crash. This reduces the head excursion of the child, and can reduce the chances of injury. Almost all current carseats can only meet the tougher new federal safety standards when the tether is used, even though they must still meet the minimum safety standards without a tether.