Nearly One Million Vehicles on U.S. Roads Have Open Child Seat Safety Recalls

CENTREVILLE, Va. — New data from CARFAX shows that nearly one million vehicles currently on U.S. roads have open recalls involving defective child seat anchor systems, raising concerns about the safety of young passengers.

The recalls involve problems with LATCH systems — which stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. The system, required in most vehicles since 2003, is designed to secure child safety seats using built-in metal anchors and tethers rather than seat belts. When functioning properly, LATCH systems help keep child seats firmly in place, especially during a crash.

According to the analysis, hundreds of thousands of vehicles have been recalled in recent years due to defects in these anchoring systems. Reported issues include faulty welds, misaligned anchors, and protective coatings that can interfere with proper installation. The problems span multiple automakers and model years.

“LATCH systems are designed to protect our most vulnerable passengers,” said Faisal Hasan, Vice President of Data at CARFAX. “These recalls are not limited to one manufacturer, which makes it especially important for parents and caregivers to check their vehicles and address any open recalls as soon as possible.”

Safety experts warn that even small defects in child seat anchors can reduce the effectiveness of a car seat during a collision. Studies have also shown that improper installation of child restraints remains common, underscoring the importance of both functional equipment and correct use.

Drivers are encouraged to check whether their vehicle has an open recall and to schedule repairs promptly. Federal law requires manufacturers to fix safety recalls at no cost to vehicle owners.