Ten years of car seat recalls: the timeline from 2016 to 2026
Whenever a car seat recall comes out, many families' first reaction is to distrust the brand. It is worth turning the question around: of the dozens of car seats sold in Portugal, how many brands have publicly acknowledged a problem and fixed it?
We have gathered 47cases between 2016 and 2026, each with the official source alongside. Some are recalls by the brand itself, others are warnings from authorities such as the German KBA or from ADAC, and others are market withdrawals imposed after inspections, many of them originating in Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system. The list does two things: it lets you check whether your seat is affected and it shows the patterns that keep repeating.
- • Infant carrier handles: Britax Römer, Venicci, Kinderkraft, Cuggl, Bébé Confort, Avionaut. It is the most repeated fault of the decade, and it happens outside the car.
- • Seats that come loose from the base: Recaro, Jané, Chicco, Avionaut, Kinderkraft, Maxi-Cosi. Almost always found in consumer tests, and almost never in type approval.
- • Buckles and harnesses: Cosatto, Puggle, Ickle Bubba, Abuki, Halfords. They either open by themselves or become impossible to open.
- • Type approvals that do not match the product: the Best Baby case in 2018, the 2022 batch with four brands and the unbranded seats sold on online marketplaces.
2016
3 cases- Recall17 October
Recaro, Fix base (Optia and Privia)
The latching hooks could deform under extreme loads and let the seat separate from the base. Recaro exchanged the affected bases (serial numbers ER01000000 to ER01017825).
produktwarnung.eu - Warning25 October
Jané Grand (ISOFIX)
The ISOFIX connection gave way in the frontal crash in the ADAC and Stiftung Warentest tests. Jané suspended distribution to retailers.
t-online - Recall7 December
Mamas & Papas Nembus, Aureus, Altair and Group 123
The structure of the seat could crack in an accident. Recall in the United Kingdom, with a refund or replacement, identified by approval number 04 44596.
Road Safety Wales
2017
3 cases- Recall21 June
Chicco Cosmos
A component could fall short of the intended mechanical strength. Voluntary recall of the units sold between February and May 2017, with free replacement.
produktwarnung.eu - Recall27 July
Recaro Zero.1
A manufacturing fault in the adjuster could let the harness loosen. Recaro exchanged the seats and, until the exchange, only allowed rear-facing use.
Which? - Recall27 July
Recaro Optia with SmartClick base
The shell separated from the base in the frontal crash. Recaro stopped deliveries, banned sales and exchanged every unit.
produktwarnung.eu
2018
2 cases- Recall22 March
Britax Römer Dualfix Classic
An internal component could break. It covered the seats sold between November 2017 and March 2018, with serial numbers starting with M101A.
produktwarnung.eu - Warning21 November
Jiangsu Best Baby, types LB-363 and BBC-Q5
Public warning from the KBA, the German authority: these seats fell short of the ECE R44 standard. They were sold under dozens of brands, including Cosatto, Osann, Lorelli, Casualplay, 4Baby and Baninni.
KBA via produktwarnung.eu
2019
5 cases- Market withdrawalMarch
Avionaut Glider Royal Fit, Expedition and Softy
After the dynamic test, the central harness buckle could not be opened, so the child could not be taken out of the seat. The Slovak inspection authority banned sale and use and ordered a withdrawal with a refund.
SOI, Slovakia - Recall5 April
Chicco Oasys i-Size
In the test by DECO, the Portuguese consumer association, the belt came loose in the frontal crash and the dummy was thrown out. Chicco withdrew the units from shops and replaced the affected ones. In Portugal, it was the most widely reported case.
Observador - Market withdrawal8 April
4Baby Aygo
The structure absorbed the energy of the impact poorly. Withdrawn from the Polish market, with a recommendation to stop using it.
Jedź Bezpiecznie - Recall3 July
Osann A-72 (made by Best Baby)
Under certain conditions, especially rear-facing in a frontal crash, the forces on the child exceeded what the type approval allowed for. Free exchange or modification. On 16 July the KBA extended the warning, which also covered Bambisol.
produktwarnung.eu - Market withdrawal18 August
Lionelo Jasper
The child's head was not protected enough, outside ECE R44/04. Order to withdraw it from the market, following a notification from the Netherlands.
Baby-Wereld
2020
4 cases- Recall13 February
Kinderkraft Mink
The attachment of the adjustable handle was faulty in batches KK20190314 to KK20190630. Voluntary repair campaign, with collection from home.
Jedź Bezpiecznie - Recall26 March
BeSafe and Stokke iZi Go X1
A faulty internal metal bracket compromised the connection between the infant carrier and the ISOFIX base. The brand advised using it only with the car's seat belt until the repair.
Which? - Recall26 November
Recaro Tian Core and Tian Elite
The harness system could catch on internal components and prevent adjustment. Instruction to stop using it immediately, with free replacement.
produktwarnung.eu - Market withdrawal23 December
Unbranded seat sold on Wish
With no single harness release button, it was hard to take the child out after an accident, and it absorbed the energy of a side impact poorly. Removed from marketplaces and recalled from consumers.
Safety Gate A12/01784/20
2021
7 cases- Market withdrawal1 February
MJ-05, unknown brand
Not strong enough to protect children over 139 cm, outside R44/04. Recalled from users.
Safety Gate A12/00111/21 - Market withdrawal26 March
Formula Baby Select Group 2/3
Eight product references fell short of the legal requirements, with a risk of injury. Return to the point of sale, with a refund, in France.
RappelConso - Recall14 April
Chicco, Kiros i-Size base
In frontal and side tests the shell came loose from the ISOFIX base, and the infant carrier and the dummy were thrown out. Chicco recalled the bases made between November 2019 and November 2020.
Que Choisir - Recall18 June
Osann ENO 360 SL
The rotating seat did not lock in position. Recall in Switzerland, by Migros, with a refund.
20 Minuten - Market withdrawal2 July
BabySafe Beagle and others
After checking 39 models, the Polish inspection authority withdrew the Beagle from the market over documentation and type-approval failures, and suspended sales of the BabySafe Husky, Labrador and Saluki, the Easy GO Rotario and the Coletto Vento.
Jedź Bezpiecznie - Market withdrawal4 October
Norauto, high-back booster Group 1/2/3 (ref. 2274437)
It failed the tests at the UTAC laboratory, with a risk of head injuries. It was on sale for ten days, in May and June 2021, and buyers were refunded.
RappelConso - Recall26 November
Halfords i-Size Revolve
The rotation latch opened under pressure even when locked, which let the seat rotate in a collision. Recall in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Which?
2022
2 cases- Recall19 January
Cosatto All in All+ and All in All Rotate
Faulty harness buckles in the batches made between September 2019 and June 2020. Stop using the seat and request the replacement buckle.
Which? - Market withdrawal29 June
Chicco, BCES, Feeblibear and Kinderkraft
Seats with approval number E4*44R-04/16*4720*02 used materials, a backrest and a shell different from the approved ones. Withdrawn from the European market.
Safety Gate A12/00727/22
2023
3 cases- Recall18 July
Britax Römer Baby-Safe 5Z
A gap could form between the handle and the shell, and the handle could come loose while carrying the infant carrier. Free replacement with the Baby-Safe 5Z2.
produktwarnung.eu - Recall24 July
Puggle i-Size Safe Max 360 Luxe
An internal component stopped the harness from locking properly. Full recall in the United Kingdom, with the risk rated as high.
GOV.UK - Recall18 December
Safety Baby (Mycarsit) Seaty 360°
The base could come loose. Free repair in France, for the batches sold in 2020.
RappelConso
2024
8 cases- Recall20 March
Britax Römer Baby-Safe 5Z and 5Z2
The handle problem came back and widened to infant carriers made before 21 October 2023, including the model that had been the replacement in 2023. The brand moved to exchanging the complete infant carrier.
produktwarnung.eu - Recall19 April
Ickle Bubba Solar Group 1/2/3 ISOFIX
An internal component could stop the harness from locking, in the batches from November 2020 to May 2021.
GOV.UK 2404-0080 - Recall7 May
Venicci Engo
A screw in the handle could come loose and the handle could detach. The recall was extended in October 2024.
GOV.UK 2404-0105 - Market withdrawal24 May
Abuki Pori (TH01) and Kemi (TH02)
The buckle opened too easily and the child could undo it on their own.
Safety Gate - Recall2 July
Kinderkraft I-Care i-Size
The handle attachment could loosen in batches 23W17 to 23W46. Voluntary exchange by the brand.
GOV.UK - Recall20 August
Cuggl, infant carrier with ISOFIX base (Argos)
A gap between the handle and the shell, with a risk of the handle coming loose. It covered sales between September 2023 and March 2024.
GOV.UK 2408-0096 - Warning2 October
Universal ISOFIX adapters
Public warning from the KBA against these adapter accessories, which do not guarantee a secure attachment. The warning covers this type of product in general.
KBA via produktwarnung.eu - Recall15 October
Avionaut, Dock 2 ISOFIX base
The seat could come loose from the base, in four batches sold between April and June 2024.
GOV.UK 2409-0153
2025
2 cases- Recall12 September
Halfords Essentials Nyala R129
In extreme temperatures, the plastic buckle could deform and compromise performance in an accident. Full refund, even without a receipt.
GOV.UK - Warning1 October
Chipolino Olympus i-Size and Reecle 360
In the frontal crash, the shell separated from the base structure on both seats, in the ADAC and Stiftung Warentest tests. No recall: ADAC only advised against buying them and the models stayed on sale.
ADAC
2026
8 cases- Warning1 April
European Union tests (JACOP project)
12 devices were assessed: 9 seats and 3 bases. Seven of the nine seats failed the crash tests, and six also failed the requirements on warnings, markings and instructions. Two products were recalled from consumers and the brands were not disclosed.
European Commission - Recall8 April
Kinderkraft, Mink FX 2 ISOFIX base
The Mink Pro 2 infant carrier could come off the base under ADAC test conditions. The brand offered a refund for the base or an exchange for another set.
produktwarnung.eu - Recall14 April
Bébé Confort, infant carrier from the Sunlite Duo, Breeze Trio and Brume Trio sets
A weak point in the connection between the carry handle and the shell, with a risk of the handle coming loose. Stop using it and contact customer service.
RappelConso - Recall18 May
Joie Signature i-Level i-Size Carbon
A batch made in January 2022 did not conform to R129. Sold in Estonia, Denmark, France and Croatia, with a free fix and no incidents reported.
Joie - Recall28 May
Maxi-Cosi, FamilyFix Slide Pro base
The indicator could show green when the seat was not properly attached to the base. It covered production between September 2025 and 24 March 2026.
Which? - Recall29 May
Joolz, Aer2 pushchair adapters
The adapter could fail to click onto the chassis and let the infant carrier fall. An accessory, yet still part of the system that holds the child.
OPSS and CCPC - Recall1 September
Avionaut Pixel 3
A manufacturing fault in the handle attachment, which could come loose when gripped at the sides. Free repair.
produktwarnung.eu - Recall22 September
Axkid Minikid Core
In the frontal crash test the support leg folded, and with the seat reclined the harness buckle came loose and the dummy's legs and hips were thrown up over its head, with a risk of neck injuries. Axkid launched a voluntary recall and a new support leg.
Råd & Rön
A recall is good news
Look at who appears most often on this list: big brands, with a name to protect and with customer service. That says more about who tests and communicates than about who fails. The car seats that never appear on a recall list fall into two groups: the ones that really are good and the ones nobody has tested.
The contrast shows in 2025 and 2026. The Chipolino Olympus i-Size and Reecle 360 broke in the frontal crash in the ADAC tests and stayed on sale, because they met the law and nobody was required to recall anything. In the European Union tests of April 2026, seven out of nine seats failed the crash tests and the brands were not disclosed. Axkid, on the other hand, with a seat that meets R129 and the Plus Test, launched a voluntary recall because of a support leg that folded in a test. Three different attitudes to the same kind of information.
What to do with this list
- Look for your brand and model here. If it appears, open the source and check the batches and serial numbers, because almost every recall covers only part of the production.
- Register the seat on the brand's website. It is the only way to be told directly. Most recalls reach families through the news, and so they reach only a few.
- Check the infant carrier handle every month. Hold the carrier by the handle, a few centimetres above the floor, and give it a shake. Any play or clicking is worth a call to the brand.
- Keep the receipt. In recalls with an exchange or a refund, it is what speeds everything up.
- Be wary of unbranded seats on online marketplaces. Several cases on this list are products sold online with type approvals that did not match what was inside the box.
Where to check, first hand
- Safety Gate, the European Union's rapid alert system, which also covers Portugal.
- GOV.UK and RappelConso, useful because many brands announce recalls first in the United Kingdom and in France.
- produktwarnung.eu, which gathers the German warnings, including those from the KBA.