Britax Voluntarily Recalls Boulevard Child Restraint (Model #E9L57)

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 22, 2006 -- Britax Child Safety, Inc. announced today they are conducting a voluntary recall of Boulevard child restraints (model #E9L57) that fail to comply with safety regulations. The recall includes units of this model produced from March 1, 2006 through August 1, 2006. No other model is affected.

During random product evaluation, Britax determined that under certain circumstances the top tether hook may open or break and release from the tether anchor. This situation has only been demonstrated with the child restraint installed forward-facing with tether attached with a test dummy simulating a child weighing greater than 50 lbs. If the top tether hook were to break, in the event of a crash, the child restraint may move from the upright position to a reclined position. With this condition, there is the increased risk of injury.

Tether use is currently limited by vehicle manufacturer recommendations for tether anchor weight limits. Under this recall, consumers are advised to discontinue use of the top tether on the Boulevard child restraint once the child's weight exceeds 50 lbs. The tether assembly may continue to be used for weight recommendations in rear-facing installations. As well, the tether assembly may continue to be used with forward-facing installations until the child's weight exceeds 50 lbs. Revised labels will be provided to parents to place in the product user guides and on the product, as reminders of the limited use.

A recall notice with revised labels will be provided to all registered owners of the Boulevard, model #E9L57. Consumers should contact Britax Consumer Services at 1-800-683-2045 to determine if their restraint is affected. The affected seats should not be returned to the Britax retailer.

Owners of this model who did not return a registration card are urged to call Britax Consumer Services at 1-800-683-2045. Non-registered owners will need to provide Britax with the following information: Name, address, daytime telephone number, model name, model number, manufacturing date, and batch number. Model and manufacturing information can be obtained from the label affixed on the side of the restraint.

Consumers with questions should contact Britax at 1-800-683-2045 or visit the Britax website at http://www.britaxusa.com/.