WASHINGTON D.C. (KRON) — The National Highway Safety Administration plans to fine Graco $3 million for its car seat recalls in 2014.
Under the terms of the penalty, Graco will also be required to spend $7 million over the next five years on car seat awareness.
“Parents need to know that the seats they trust to protect their children are safe, and that when there’s a problem, the manufacturer will meet its obligations to fix the defect quickly,” Secretary Foxx said. “Today’s action reinforces that responsibility in a way that will make our kids safer for decades to come.”
The company also must provide certification from an independent, third-party that it has met its cost obligations; if Graco fails to meet those obligations, it must pay the balance of the $10 million civil penalty.
“Today’s action uses NHTSA’s enforcement authority to not only hold a manufacturer accountable, but to keep our kids safe,” said NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind. “It’s another example of our commitment to use every tool available to save lives on our highways, and to use those tools in an innovative and more effective way.”
In 2014, the company recalled more than six million car seats because of a defective latch that could trap children.