Car seat recall: Recaro issues alert for Tian Core and Tian Elite car seats

Recaro has issued a voluntary recall of Tian Core and Tian Elite car seats sold since August 2020. The manufacturer has identified a fault with the car seats, which could prevent the harness from working as it should.

If you own one of the recalled child car seats you should stop using it immediately.

Not all Recaro Tian Core and Tian Elite car seats have been recalled, however, so read on to find out if you're affected.

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Recaro Tian recall: what you need to know

The Tian Core and Tian Elite are multi-group child car seats - also known as Group 1/2/3 seats, or combination seats - made by Recaro.

Testing by the manufacturer has identified a potential flaw in some seats sold since August 2020.

In affected car seats, the child restraint system may interfere with the design of the harness. This can cause difficulties when adjusting the harness and, in some cases, could prevent the harness from working altogether.

How do I know if I'm affected?

Recaro is recalling Tian Core and Tian Elite seats sold since August 2020 and produced before 27/10/2020. If your seat was produced on or after 27/10/2020, you are not affected.

To find out when your seat was produced, look for the orange homologation label under the seat. If your seat was produced on or after 27/10/2020, there should be an additional label with the production date.

If you can't see an additional label, check the serial number on the orange label.

• For Tian Core owners, if the serial number is between 00000001 and 00001722, the seat has been recalled and you should stop using it immediately.
• For Tian Elite owners, if the serial number is between E00000001 and E00004953, the seat has been recalled and you should stop using it immediately.

If your car seat has been recalled, you can receive a replacement unit free of charge via the Recaro website.

If you're in any doubt as to whether your car seat has been recalled, contact Recaro customer service and stop using the seat in the meantime.

Has Which? tested this car seat

We were planning to put this car seat through our next car seat tests, with results due spring 2021. Due to the recall, we will no longer be able to.

However, you can read reviews of the 13 other Recaro car seats that have gone through our rigorous crash-tests.

Unlike some other websites that publish reviews, we crash-test each child car seat we review, so we can tell you which seats give the best protection, and which seats you should avoid. Find out more in our guide to how we test baby and child car seats.