More than half a million car seats have been recalled due to potential harness issues that could cause serious injuries.
Nuna Baby Essentials has voluntarily recalled 608,786 of their “Rava” child seats with plastic harness adjuster buttons.
The recall covers the Rava seats manufactured between Jul. 16, 2016, and Oct. 25, 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
“The defect is a result of debris entering the area where the front harness adjuster is located. The debris may cause the teeth of the adjuster mechanism to no longer properly clamp onto the adjuster strap, resulting in the harness no longer remaining tight,” the NHTSA’s report explained.
“If a child restraint harness is not tight in a crash, the child could be injured,” it added.
Models manufactured after Oct. 25, 2023, have fabric covering the harness adjuster area rather than plastic.
Nuna has listed the complete list of model numbers in the recall on its website and said to search for a label on the underside of the car seat to find the numbers.
There have been no injuries or fatalities reported in connection with the issue, according to the NHTSA. However, a tight seatbelt or car seat can result in limited movement during a crash and can prevent the child from being thrown around or ejected from the vehicle.
Nuna is offering those who own Rava car seat models that were recalled a new seat pad, cleaning kit and care instructions.
However, if the car seat owned functions properly and secures the child properly according to the existing manual and labels, “you may continue to use your car seat as directed,” Nuna said.