According to USA Today, officials ordered Graco to explain why it excluded seven rear-facing seat models from the recall of 3.8 million child seats. Graco has also been asked to hand over information to officials.
The recall covered 11 models sold from 2009 through 2013 by Graco Children's Products Inc. of Atlanta. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration warned that the problem could make it "difficult to remove the child from the restraint, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a vehicle crash, fire or other emergency."
Graco previously said that its tests found that food or beverages can make the harness buckles in the children's seats sticky and harder to use over time.
Graco told USA Today that the company remains confident that its car seats are safe and comply with NHTSA's standards: "They have withstood rigorous internal testing that far exceeds federal requirements."
Those with a Graco car seat can order a replacement bucklet online. Graco says the seats can still be used while waiting for the new buckle.
Anyone with questions should contact Graco's customer service team at 800-345-4109 or consumerservices@gracobaby.com.
The seat models included in the recall are as follows:
- Cozy Cline
- Comfort Sport
- Classic Ride 50
- My Ride 65
- My Ride with Safety Surround
- My Ride 70
- Size 4 Me 70
- Smartseat
- Nautilus
- Nautilus Elite
- Argos 70
The seven remaining models not included in the recall are the following rear facing infant seats:
- Snugride
- Snugride 30
- Snugride 32
- Infant Safe Seat-Step 1
- Snugride 35
- Tuetonia 35
- Snugride Click Connect 40
NHTSA says the remaining seven safety seats should be recalled as well.
For more information, visit www.gracobaby.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
