Britax Announces Recall of Super Elite Child Restraint

- Adjuster Strap Webbing Guide to be Provided to All Owners -

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 24 -- Britax Child Safety, Inc. is conducting a recall of the Super Elite child restraint (E9031) as certain restraints may contain a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety. The recall includes the entire production of this model from April 2001 through August 2002. No other model is affected.

Evaluation has shown that under certain circumstances after prolonged use, the harness adjuster tab may begin to stick. If the adjuster tab sticks in the open position, the adjuster strap webbing may slip within the adjuster that controls the tightness of the harness and allow the harness to loosen. In this situation, there is the increased risk of injury. No accidents or injuries have been reported to date.

Britax will provide owners with an adjuster strap webbing guide enabling them to prevent the sticking by limiting the movement of the adjuster webbing. The kit, containing the webbing guide and installation instructions, is expected to be available on or before July 20, 2005. All owners of these restraints who returned a registration card will automatically receive the kit. The affected seats should not be returned to the Britax retailer.

Because the sticking adjuster tab may develop over time due to repeated use, it is important to check for a secure harness before each use. All owners of the Super Elite restraints are urged to receive and install the adjuster strap webbing guide.

Owners of these models who did not return a registration card are urged to call Britax Consumer Services at 1-800-683-2045 to provide information so they can also receive the adjuster strap webbing guide and installation instructions. Non-registered owners will need to provide Britax with the following information: Name, address, daytime telephone number, model name, model number, manufacturing date, and batch. Model and manufacturing information can be obtained from the label affixed to the restraint.

Consumers with questions should contact Britax at 1-800-683-2045 or visit the Britax website at http://www.britaxusa.com/.