The Dorel Juvenile Group has recalled about 83,000 Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 convertible child car seats because they may not offer sufficient protection to larger children in the event of a crash. According to Consumer Reports, documents posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) website show that the design of the seats could prove dangerous in the event of an accident.
The documents state that children who weigh 65 pounds or more could suffer a head injury in a crash if the seat is in the forward-facing position and secured using a lap belt without also using the top-tether strap.
Potential for Injuries
The NHTSA notice states that the child’s head could come in contact with the vehicle interior during the crash, which could result in head injuries. The noncompliance recall was issued because the seat failed to properly restrain the test dummy in testing properly, thereby not conforming to the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213, which covers child restraint systems.
The NHTSA regulatory crash tests are conducted on a bench seat using only a lap belt instead of a three-point lap and shoulder seat belt. The test is also done without the top tether strap connected. Consumer Reports experts say this recall reminds parents to always use the top tether with their forward-facing child car seat.
They say whether the seat is installed using the vehicle belts or the lower LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) anchors, it is very important that parents use the top tether strap as an extra safety measure because they are effective a preventing the child’s forward movement. There is proposed rulemaking to update and modify FMVSS 213 including changing the testing process to test child car seats with the three-point seatbelt.
Dorel Group has not established a remedy for this issue. The manufacturer also hasn’t provided a schedule for notifying consumers about the recall. For more information, call Dorel’s customer service number at 1-877-657-9546.
Product Liability Issues
Child car seats are meant to protect children in a crash. If your child is injured as a result of a defective car seat, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer for the injuries, damages, and losses caused. An experienced product defect lawyer can help injured victims and their families better understand their legal rights and options.
Source: https://www.consumerreports.org/recalls/maxi-cosi-pria-85-convertible-child-car-seat-is-recalled-a4921973241/
