Graco is finally relenting to federal pressure and recalling 1.9 million infant car seats, an announcement that marks the largest seat recall in U.S. history.
The car seat maker has been sparring with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for five months after Graco recalled 4.2 million toddler seats with harness buckles that tended to stick, the Associated Press reported.
The additional recalled models, built between July 2010 and May 2013, include the SnugRide, SnugRide Classic Connect (including Classic Connect 30 and 35), SnugRide 30, SnugRide 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40, and Aprica A30, according to the AP.
The NHTSA has been pressuring Graco to recall the infant car seats even though the company contended that infant seat buckles won't have the same problem of getting gummed up from food and drink.
Parents have reported having to cut harnesses to get their children out of the seat after the buckles became stuck. Graco's argument was that infant car seats are different since they can be removed from the car in case of emergency.
But in a letter to the NHTSA dated June 27, Graco noted that that unlatching infant seat buckles had a "higher than typical level of difficulty."
Graco is not aware of any accidents related to the problem, which has affected 6.1 million recalled car seats altogether.
The harness issues generally happened when food and beverages consumed in the car seat made the harness sticky over time, so Graco has issued cleaning tips for the buckles.
Concerned owners can get more information at www.GracoBuckleRecall.com or by calling (877) 766-7470.
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