Investigation PE88031: Vehicles

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Mar 11, 1988

Closed

Jul 5, 1988

Model years

—

Subject

Cracking of plastic shell

Component: Equipment

Summary

Summary: according to it's letters of april 21 and may 24, 1988, century stated that the cause of the alleged shell cracks is unknown in the eight reported cases. The cracks could have resulted from handling, shipping, dropping, etc. The only seat casting to have ever cracked in the belt slot area is that from wychers. They may have inadvertantly positioned the seat forward facing which is not designed or allowed for. Additionally, century conducted 12 tests on 12 subject seats and they complied with all of the requirements of fmvss 213. The nhtsa also conducted tests on the child seats in april 1987. The test results showed that the child restraint complied with all of the requirements of fmvss 213.===

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.