Car Seat Recalls: How to Check Yours and What to Do
Most baby gear recalls go through the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but car seat recalls are listed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the agency that also handles vehicle recalls. Here's how to check your seat in a few minutes.
What a Car Seat Recall Means
NHTSA says a recall is issued when the maker or NHTSA decides a car seat creates an unreasonable safety risk or doesn't meet minimum federal safety standards. Most recalls are started voluntarily by the maker, and NHTSA says to follow any interim safety guidance in the notice while you wait for the fix.
A recent example: in July 2026, Gray News reported that Evenflo was recalling about 60,000 REO by Revolve360 seats because the headrest could shift and raise the risk of injury in a crash. Six model numbers were listed, the fix was still being developed, and owners were to get letters by mail.
How to Check Your Car Seat
- Find the label. Look on the seat's shell for the label with the model number and date of manufacture. NHTSA's used seat checklist says you need both to check for recalls.
- Search NHTSA. Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls, choose car seats, and enter the brand and model. NHTSA shows recalls, investigations, complaints and manufacturer notices.
- Compare the details. Recalls list the affected model numbers, as Evenflo's did. Match the model number, and the production dates if the recall gives them.
- Check the maker's site too, or call the maker with your model number and date.
If Your Seat Is Recalled
- Read the notice. NHTSA says to follow any interim safety guidance the maker gives while you wait for the fix.
- Get the remedy. NHTSA monitors recalls to make sure owners get a safe, free and effective remedy from the maker.
- Contact the maker if you haven't heard from them. NHTSA's used seat checklist notes that some recall problems can be fixed.
- Report problems. If you notice a safety issue that isn't part of a recall, you can report it to NHTSA.
Register Your Seat So the Maker Can Reach You
Every new car seat comes with a registration card. NHTSA says to send it in or register on the maker's website, so the maker can contact you directly about recalls and safety notices. Makers must notify registered owners by first-class mail within 60 days of telling NHTSA about a recall.
You can also download NHTSA's free SaferCar app or sign up for its email recall alerts. If you can't register a seat with its maker, NHTSA says to contact it at NHTSA.ODI.ced@dot.gov.
Secondhand Car Seats
Before using a seat from a friend or a resale shop, NHTSA's checklist asks that it:
- Has never been in a moderate or severe crash
- Still has its label with the model number and date of manufacture
- Has no open recalls
- Has all its parts and its instruction book
Register a secondhand seat in your own name so recall notices reach you. Our car seats guide covers how to choose a new seat, and our car seat stage finder shows which stage your child is in.
