Graco recalls 3.7 million car seats over faulty buckle

Graco has recalled nearly 3.8 million front-facing car seats sold between 2009 and 2013 for problems with a sticking buckle. The issue from reports is that the buckle will not release, Graco claims it’s when food or drinks get spilled in it, but the end result is a trapped child.

The products involved in this recall include: Comfort Sport, Cozy Cline, Classic Ride 50, My Ride 65, My Ride 65 with Safety Surround, My Ride 70, Size 4 Me 70, Smart Seat, Argos 70, Nautilus, Nautilus Edge.

Additionally according to the AP Graco is providing replacement buckles if requested for the following car seats, although they are not currently under recall: Snugride, Snugride 30, Snugride 32, Infant Safe Seat-Step 1, Snugride 35, Tuetonia 35, Snugride Click Connect 40.

You can read the complete details of the Graco recall on their website, and see videos on what’s involved in changing out the buckles when you receive your replacement.

In the meantime, you might want to check out the cleaning tips for the current buckles for if you want to get them unjammed right now. From their website these are:

Cleaning Tips for Harness Buckles:

To clean your buckle, turn the restraint over and push the retainer through the harness strap slot. Place the buckle in a cup of warm water and gently agitate the buckle, pressing the red button several times while it is in the water.
Do not submerge the harness webbing and do not use soaps or lubricants, only rinse the harness buckle with warm water.
Shake out the excess water and allow the harness buckle to air dry.
Reattach the harness buckle into the same slot and re-check harness for correct installation according to the car seat manual before use.

It’s important to get the buckles taken care of as in the event of a wreck, a sticky buckle can be the difference between your kid being safely pulled out of a car seat or having to be quickly cut out of a car seat.