Dorel recalls 800,000 child car seats

Dorel Juvenile Group is voluntarily recalling nearly 800,000 child car seats sold in North America to address a potential problem with the harness locking system, which may not stay properly tensioned.

The seats from the Columbus, Ind., company were manufactured between May 1, 2008, and April 30, 2009.

Transport Canada received 10 complaints that the design's harness system could loosen during normal use.

The recall was also developed in co-operation with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

It involves car seats sold under the brands:

The centre front adjuster mechanism on the seats has a locking clamp that may not rotate freely, and the adjustment webbing could fail to lock in place, creating slack in the restraint. A child needs to be kept snug by the restraint for proper protection in a collision.

Dorel has developed a repair for the adjuster, consisting of a non-toxic lubricant that can be applied to the centre front adjuster to prevent it from sticking.

Purchasers of the car seats who completed a registration card will receive a recall notice by mail, but other consumers can contact the Dorel Juvenile Group's website to check if their model is affected.

Transport Canada says no injuries have been reported as a result of the problem with the car seat design.