A massive recall of Safety 1st Grow & Go Sprint convertible child car seats has been initiated, affecting nearly 180,000 units. The recall follows safety concerns raised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding a potential choking hazard posed by the foam padding in the seats’ headrests.
The NHTSA’s announcement, made on April 18, alerts consumers to a defect that could lead to serious injuries. The foam pieces in the headrest of certain car seat models may detach and present a choking risk if a child places them in their mouth.
This is not the first issue to arise with these seats, but it is significant due to the number of affected units, potentially putting many young children at risk.
Safety Risk Poses Threat to Children
The recall affects Safety 1st Grow & Go Sprint convertible seats manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group. Specifically, the models with the following serial numbers are involved: CC321GYU, CC321GYUD, CC321GYY, CC321GYYD, CC321HAO, and CC321HAR.
According to the NHTSA, these seats, produced between February and December 2023, have been found to have a foam pad that is insufficiently secured in the headrest. The safety report issued by the NHTSA highlighted 13 incidents in which children placed the foam pieces in their mouths, raising the risk of choking.
Dorel has stated that the foam pieces can be easily detached, which is what led to the recall. While no serious injuries have been reported, the potential for harm remains a significant concern for parents using these child car seats.
The recall affects approximately 179,800 units, making it one of the largest recalls in recent months related to child safety products. While the recall itself does not affect all units of this model, it underscores the need for heightened awareness among parents and caregivers regarding the safety of their children’s car seats.
Next Steps for Consumers
In response to the recall, Dorel Juvenile Group will send out replacement headrest pad assembly kits free of charge to affected customers.
The company plans to mail owner notification letters by June 9, 2025. The NHTSA and Dorel are urging customers to act swiftly to ensure their child’s safety while using the car seat.
Consumers with affected seats can contact Dorel’s customer service at 1-877-657-9546 or reach out via email at gng-sprint-recall@djgusa.com for assistance.
Those who wish to confirm whether their seat is part of the recall are also advised to check the NHTSA website for further information.
