Chicco Announces Voluntary Recall of KeyFit and KeyFit 30 Car Seat Bases

LANCASTER, Pa., June 2 -- Chicco announced today a voluntary recall of KeyFit(R) and KeyFit 30 car seat bases manufactured between February 26, 2008 and March 17, 2008. The bases covered by this recall are sold with the KeyFit, KeyFit 30, and Cortina Travel System as well as separately.

A manufacturing defect may prevent some of the bases from being tightly secured to a vehicle when the lower LATCH attachments are used as the method of installation. If the webbing were to slip during a vehicle crash, the base could move, possibly increasing the risk of injury.

These car seats and bases can still be used safely when installed with the vehicle's safety belts instead of the LATCH connectors.

Approximately 18,000 units are affected by this recall. No injuries have been reported to Chicco.

Consumers with bases for KeyFit and KeyFit 30 car seats manufactured between February 26, 2008 and March 17, 2008 should contact Chicco at 1-800-807-8817 to obtain a replacement base. To determine whether a base is covered by this recall, an owner should identify the Serial Number, which can be found on the third line of a white label attached to the base. If the Serial Number is between 08 02 26 (corresponding to February 26, 2008) and 08 03 17 (corresponding to March 17, 2008), the base is covered by this recall.

"Protecting the children we serve is paramount to Chicco," said Chicco USA CEO Greg Mansker. "That is why we are working diligently to alert consumers to stop using the lower LATCH attachments on bases for KeyFit and KeyFit 30 car seats manufactured between February 26, 2008 and March 17, 2008. We have set up a hotline to address consumers' questions and explain the recall procedure. These car seats and bases can continue to be used safely if installed with the vehicle's safety belts. We sincerely regret this manufacturing defect and any inconvenience the recall causes consumers."