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NHTSA Announces Recall of Evenflo Child Seats

29 May 1998

NHTSA Announces Recall of Evenflo Child Seats

    WASHINGTON, May 29 -- The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall of about 32,000 Evenflo "Two-in-
One" car seats because the backrest may separate from the base, exposing
children to potential injuries in an automobile crash.
    "Parents who own this model of child seat should immediately check to see
if it is among those being recalled," said NHTSA Administrator Ricardo
Martinez, M.D. "Safety is President Clinton's highest transportation priority,
and we must do whatever we can to make sure that parents have all the
information they need to transport their children safely in vehicles."
    The child seats that are being recalled have model numbers beginning with
636 and 637 and were manufactured between Jan. 7 and March 20, 1998.  Testing
revealed that fractures can occur around the rod which joins the backrest and
base.  This could cause the two parts to separate during a vehicle crash if
the child is being restrained by the seat's built-in five-point harness.
    There have been no reports of fractures, separations or injuries from
consumers.
    Evenflo will provide a free replacement seat to all owners of the seats
affected by the recall. The company is in the process of mailing replacement
seats to consumers who registered the restraints with Evenflo.  Consumers who
have not registered their seats and know their seat is among those recalled
should call Evenflo at 1-800-985-SEAT to obtain their free replacement.
    Until consumers receive their replacement seats, they should stop using
the seat's built-in harness.  Children between 30 and 65 pounds can still be
transported in the seat if it is used in conjunction with the vehicle's lap
and shoulder seat belts.  The seats should not be used if the child is not in
that weight range or if the seating position is equipped only with a lap belt.
    Evenflo child seats with other model numbers are not affected by this
recall.  Consumers with questions about this or any other safety recall
campaign should call NHTSA's toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 800-424-9393.
The number to call in the Washington, D.C., area is 202-366-0123.