Combi USA, based out of Charlotte, N.C., is recalling more than 33,000 of its car seats made prior to January 2013. These seats do not have strong enough straps to meet current federal safety standards.
If involved in a crash, a child may not be adequately secured. The harness webbing material does not meet minimum breaking strength.
The recalled models:
Coccoro (Model 8220): Manufactured January 6, 2009-December 5, 2012
Zeus Turn (Model 8815): Manufactured July 15, 2007-March 25, 2009
Zeus 360 (Model 8836): Manufactured February 25, 2009-May 24, 2012
According to the company, seats are safe to use until the kit is installed.
Own one of these? Combi will be contacting registered owners and provide free harness replacement kits and instructions. You may also contact Combi at 1-800-543-7734 or visit their site at www.combi-intl.com. Kits are expected to be available February 6, 2014. You may continue to use your seat until the kit is available.
Full recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Make: COMBI
Models: 8220 (COCCORO), 8815 (ZEUS TURN), 8836 (ZEUS 360)
Production Dates: September 3, 2010 – December 5, 2012
Noncompliance: Combi USA, Inc. (Combi) is recalling certain model 8220 (Coccoro) child restraints manufactured January 6, 2009, through December 5, 2012; model 8836 (Zeus 360) child restraints manufactured February 25, 2009, through May 24, 2012; and model 8815 (Zeus Turn) manufactured from July 15, 2007, through March 25, 2009. The harness webbing fails to meet minimum breaking strength requirements. Thus, these child seats fail to comply to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, “Child Restraint Systems.”
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a child may not be remain adequately secured, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action: Combi will notify registered owners and provide free harness replacement kits along with repair instructions. The recall is expected to begin by February 6, 2014. Owners may contact Combi at 1-800-543-7734 or visit their website at www.combi-intl.com. The seats can continue to be used until the kits are made available.
Notes: Customers may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA No.: 13C002000
