Cybex has issued a major recall of more than 24,000 Aton G children’s car seats due to a serious safety risk resulting from harness straps not properly restraining a child. The car seats recalled are Aton G car seat, Aton G Swivel car seat, EOS and Aton G Travel System, or EOS and Aton G Swivel Travel System.
What is the Defect With Cybex Aton G Seats?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Cybex Aton G seats have issues with the harness system that could lead to improper restraint that could put a child at risk in the event of a crash. The issue occurs when the car seat is slid over a sharp edge such as a countertop or the edge of the car seat base which causes the anchorage hooks to bend which further causes the harness anchor pin to dislodge when not in use. If the pin is loose or if it dislodges, the harness strap may detach at the hip anchor, meaning that the seat the child is on is unsecured in the event of a collision.
Is the Car Seat Unsafe for Use?
Although no injuries have been reported, it is advisable to avoid taking the risk because it could cause serious harm and that is why the seats are being recalled. Cybex says that if the child is already secured in the harness, the anchor pin cannot detach but to ensure this, caregivers have to always check the harness anchor hooks before use to ensure they are secured.
The Car Seat Models Affected by the Recall.
This major recall applies nationwide to Cybex Aton G Swivel and Cybex Aton G car seats and associated travel systems. These models were manufactured between February 20, 2023, and May 10, 2024. The models are;
- Aton G (Model numbers: 522001441, 522001443, 522001445, 522001447, 522004777, 522004779)
- Aton G Swivel (Model numbers: 522004167, 522004169, 522004171, 522004173, 522005099, 522004781, 522004783)
- Aton G Travel System (Model numbers: 522003793, 522003795, 522003797, 522003799, 522003897, 522003711, 522003717, 522003723, 522003729)
- Aton G Swivel Travel System (Model numbers: 522004805, 522005355)
You can check if your car is among these models by locating the model number and manufacture date on the label found at the bottom of the car seat and verifying that model number on Cybex’s recall website.
Steps to Take If Your Car Seat is Among the Affected.
If your car seat is affected, you should examine it and see if the hooks are bent or loose. If yes, then you should stop using the seat immediately and contact Cybex for further guidance. If the car seat hooks are okay, then it’s advisable for caregivers to always check the harness anchor hooks before each use.
Also, note that you should not return the car seats to retailers; instead, you should visit the Cybex recall website and register your car seat. Cybex is also offering free remedy kits, which include a device that locks the harness anchor pin in place even if the hooks are bent. To enable users to install themselves, Cybex added a link to a video demonstration detailing the process.
How to Contact Cybex and the NHTSA
- For additional questions, parents should:
- Contact Cybex Customer Service at 1-877-242-5676
- Visit the official recall page: Cybex Safety Notices & Recalls
- Report unresolved safety issues to the NHTSA:
- Call the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236
- Visit www.NHTSA.gov
Conclusion
The Cybex car seat recall should not be ignored because it is a serious safety issue that can endanger children. Although no injuries have been reported yet, it is advisable to take any risks. So remember to;
Check you’re your car seat model and manufacture date to determine if it is affected by the recall.
Register for a free repair kit.
Inspect the harness every time you are using the seat.
Share any updates with other caregivers.