We trust car seats to keep our children safe on every ride. But just like any product, sometimes a concern is discovered after it’s sold, and that’s where a recall comes in.
If you've ever seen a car seat recall and felt confused or worried—you’re not alone. Let’s talk about how recalls work in Canada, what they mean for your child’s safety, and what steps you can take.
What is a car seat recall?
A recall for a child car seat is a safety alert or notice issued when the manufacturer or Transport Canada identifies a problem with a car seat. This could be something like a missing label or incorrect instructions, or something that could affect how well the seat protects your child.
A recall doesn’t always mean the car seat is unsafe to use—but it does mean something needs to be fixed to help keep your child as safe as possible.
What do car seat manufacturers do when they find a problem?
When a company finds out there’s an issue with one of their car seats, they’re required to:
- Report the problem to Transport Canada.
- Notify their customers who registered their seat (It’s never too late to register your car seat - the information you need is on a white label with the date of manufacture on the seat).
- Provide information on what to do now and a way to fix the issue. This could look like sending new labels, replacement parts, or updated instructions.
They’re also responsible for making sure the issue is clearly explained and that parents and caregivers have the support they need.
How would I know if there is a recall on my car seat?
If you registered your car seat, the manufacturer will reach out to inform you of the recall and your next steps. You can check for car seat recalls at any time by visiting the Transport Canada recall website. You’ll need your car seat’s brand, model name, model number, and date of manufacture—usually found on a rectangle-shaped sticker on the side or bottom of the seat.
If my car seat has a recall, does that mean the car seat company is unsafe?
A recall can sound scary, but they’re actually a sign that safety systems are working the way they should. Transport Canada and your car seat manufacturer are working together to identify and fix potential issues that may affect your family’s safety.
The best thing you can do is stay informed, register your car seat, and follow any recall instructions you receive. And remember: if you ever have questions, there are certified child passenger safety technicians (CPSTs) across Canada who can help.
There is a recall for my child’s seat - what now?
First of all, don’t panic. A recall doesn’t always mean your car seat is dangerous — but it does mean something needs to be corrected. Here’s what to do:
- Read the recall notice carefully
Check what the issue is and what steps the manufacturer is asking you to take. It might be as simple as applying a new label or ordering a replacement part. - Follow the fix
The manufacturer will usually send you what you need — at no cost to you. This might include:- A new instruction manual
- Updated labels
- A replacement part or hardware
Remember: the manufacturer may also provide temporary instructions of what to do now, while you wait for new parts to arrive in the mail.
- Make sure your seat is registered
If your car seat isn’t registered yet, do that now on the manufacturer’s website. This helps them contact you directly about recalls in the future.
Remember: Recalls are part of keeping kids safe. You're doing the right thing by checking, staying informed, and following up. You've got this!
Need help?
If you're not sure whether your seat is affected, or if you need help understanding a recall notice, reach out to:
- Your car seat manufacturer’s customer service
- Transport Canada
- A Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) near you
Have questions? We’re here to help. Reach out to Child Safety Link at 1-866-288-1388 (toll-free in Atlantic Canada), 902-470-7036, or email childsafetylink@iwk.nshealth.ca.
Here is an example of a recent recall. Maybe you have questions about it.
Recall Alert: Evenflo Revolve360 Slim in Canada
You might have heard about the latest recall released on July 21, 2025 on the Evenflo Revolve360 Slim car seat in Canada. Here is the most important information. The issue is limited and the seat can still be used safely in most situations.
Which Seats Are Affected?
This recall only affects the Canadian model of the Revolve360 Slim bought before June 2025.
What’s the Recall About?
The Evenflo Revolve360 SLIM model did not meet one of the requirements of the Canadian safety standards during a specific crash test scenario when installed rear-facing with the vehicle seat belt .
During this test, this seat was found to have an issue in one specific installation scenario:
- When used rear-facing for a child under 18.1 kg (40 lbs)
- When using the seat belt installation method
If your child is using this seat forward facing, that installation is not affected.
Have there been any injuries reported?
No injuries were reported. This issue only showed up in a controlled lab test.
Is the seat still safe? What should I do now?
Yes, it is— but how you install it matters. Here’s what Evenflo recommends based on your child’s weight:
- If your rear-facing child weighs less than 15.9 kg (35 pounds):
Install rear facing with UAS/lower anchors + tether (instead of the seat belt)
- If your rear-facing child weighs between 15.9–18.1 kg (35-40 pounds):
You cannot install the seat rear facing with the UAS/lower anchors because it exceeds the UAS weight limit.
You cannot install the seat rear facing with the seat belt based on the recall. (This is the weight range where it gets tricky!)
You have two options:- Temporarily turn your child forward-facing (if they are at least 2 years old)
or - Or use another car seat rear facing from 35-40 pounds
- Temporarily turn your child forward-facing (if they are at least 2 years old)
- If your rear-facing child weighs between 18.1–22.6 kg (40–50 pounds):
Install rear facing with the seat belt + tether (this weight range is NOT affected by the recall)
What happens next?
Evenflo is preparing a recall remedy kit that will address the issue. The fix kit is expected to start shipping around September 15, 2025 to all owners who have registered their seats.
If you haven’t registered your Revolve360 Slim yet, now is the time! You can register your seat online at: https://registration.evenflo.com/evenflo/ca/carseats
What’s the bottom line:
This recall isn’t about broken parts—it’s about meeting strict Canadian testing rules.
Most families can continue using their Revolve360 Slim safely. Just check your child’s weight, review your installation method, and keep an eye out for your recall kit.
If you have questions or concerns, reach out to Evenflo ParentLink - It's the manufacturer's job to answer your questions and concerns about their seat.
Helpful Links:
Recall link from Transport Canada
Information from Evenflo Parentlink