So what happens. . .

lanwenyi

New member
after you file a complaint w/ NHTSA?

What kind of follow-up do they do? What's normal? What's the exception?

Has anyone gotten follow-up for the SL loosening?
 
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Pixels

New member
You might get a confirmation that they received your submission (automated), I don't remember. But mostly, nothing happens that you are aware of.
 

lanwenyi

New member
I got the automated (same day), but also got another follow-up (2 days later). I'm guessing that's the exception then. When I got that, I wondered if that was the norm and if not, I wondered if anyone else had gotten additional communication. I'm also curious as to what is going on behind the scenes.
 

lanwenyi

New member
I am surprised. I thought for sure that someone else would have gotten a follow-up. I spent over an hour last night replying to the e-mail I received (from a 'person'; it might have been a form letter, but it wasn't automated) asking for more info. I thought it was standard practice or at least a random sample (which, I would think, would pick up a few people here since many have filed). I wonder what made them pick me. :confused: I would think they would have queried a tech.

BTW, I didn't hear back again today. I don't know if I will, but I did ask some questions even while answering NHTSA's.

Side note:
I'm not picking on your typo, I'm genuinely clarifying -- was that supposed to be "my" or did you email NHTSA about your MultiTech?

I actually had the same question! I just figured that there had to be more than one "MT".
 

Stelvis

New member
lanwenyi said:
I am surprised. I thought for sure that someone else would have gotten a follow-up. I spent over an hour last night replying to the e-mail I received (from a 'person'; it might have been a form letter, but it wasn't automated) asking for more info. I thought it was standard practice or at least a random sample (which, I would think, would pick up a few people here since many have filed). I wonder what made them pick me. :confused: I would think they would have queried a tech.
".

That's very encouraging to hear actually! I haven't gotten anything from them but the confirmation letter.
 

lanwenyi

New member
Another question.

I installed my other Radian in the car where the first Radian was slipping. It's been in there all day and is still tight. (The old one loosened some just from DD climbing in the seat and loosened a lot during one 10 minute drive). We went to and from Disneyland today (1.5 hrs each way). I plan to keep it there for a few more days/wks, checking it every time we use it, but it seems okay.

So, should I pass that info along to the NHTSA worker who e-mailed me?
OR is there a way to amend my original complaint to include the info on my "newer" seat that is not having the same failure? (yet)

Will it make a difference in how SK treats me if I ever manage to get ahold of them?

TIA
 

Stelvis

New member
lanwenyi said:
Another question.

I installed my other Radian in the car where the first Radian was slipping. It's been in there all day and is still tight. (The old one loosened some just from DD climbing in the seat and loosened a lot during one 10 minute drive). We went to and from Disneyland today (1.5 hrs each way). I plan to keep it there for a few more days/wks, checking it every time we use it, but it seems okay.

So, should I pass that info along to the NHTSA worker who e-mailed me?
OR is there a way to amend my original complaint to include the info on my "newer" seat that is not having the same failure? (yet)

Will it make a difference in how SK treats me if I ever manage to get ahold of them?

TIA

I would include pictures of the labels with the serial number/manufacture dates of both the seat and SL straps that are working and aren't working in an email to NHTSA. It seems like for some people, a different strap does solve the problem. For me, though, it didn't. Thats what's o weird about this problem -- so many variables.

I would give the same info to SKJP in the hopes that they do actually have engineers researching this problem behind the scenes....
 

Stelvis

New member
lanwenyi said:
Another question.

I installed my other Radian in the car where the first Radian was slipping. It's been in there all day and is still tight. (The old one loosened some just from DD climbing in the seat and loosened a lot during one 10 minute drive). We went to and from Disneyland today (1.5 hrs each way). I plan to keep it there for a few more days/wks, checking it every time we use it, but it seems okay.

So, should I pass that info along to the NHTSA worker who e-mailed me?
OR is there a way to amend my original complaint to include the info on my "newer" seat that is not having the same failure? (yet)

Will it make a difference in how SK treats me if I ever manage to get ahold of them?

TIA

I would include pictures of the labels with the serial number/manufacture dates of both the seat and SL straps that are working and aren't working in an email to NHTSA. It seems like for some people, a different strap does solve the problem. For me, though, it didn't. That's what's weird about this problem -- so many variables.

I would give the same info to SKJP in the hopes that they do actually have engineers researching this problem behind the scenes....

ETA: I'm sorry, I don't know why that posted twice, and it doesn't look like I can delete it from the iPad app?
 

gsdguenter

Well-known member
Wow! Look what I just got in my email:

"Dear gsdguenter-



I work in the Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). We conduct investigations of potential safety defects in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. The purpose of these investigations is to determine whether there is a need for the NHTSA to order manufacturers to conduct safety defect notification and recall campaigns to reduce the potential for crashes, injuries, and deaths.



Please understand that the office is not conducting a formal investigation at this time, but rather, we are evaluating the issue you raised in your report.



I have a few follow up questions that will assist me review your complaint regarding the Sunshine Kids Radian. Any additional information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.



· Can you confirm the model number and date of manufacture of your seat?

· When did you first notice the harness straps had loosened?

· How often do the harness straps loosen (every use, intermittent, etc.)

· How long have you used/owned the seat?

· Did the harness straps loosen while in use/while driving? Please describe, length of trip, etc.

· What is the age/weight of the child who is using the seat?

· Was the seat installed rear or forward facing?

· What do you think is causing the harness strap to loosen?

· Do you still own the seat?

· Have you spoken with the manufacturer? If so, what was the outcome?



Thank you in advance for your assistance and interest in traffic safety.



Sincerely,



XXXXXXX

Safety Defects Specialist

USDOT/NHTSA

Office of Defects Investigation





Don’t forget to register your child seat!

Report any safety concerns for motor vehicles, child seats, tires, and motor vehicle equipment at www.safercar.gov"

I will certainly be responding tonight and let you guys know what happens. I still haven't heard anything back from SKJP :mad:
 
Last edited:

LISmama810

Admin - CPS Technician
Awesome!

I would maybe suggest removing her name and contact info, though. I wouldn't want her getting inundated with calls/emails.
 

Baylor

New member
I'm not picking on your typo, I'm genuinely clarifying -- was that supposed to be "my" or did you email NHTSA about your MultiTech?

Yeah this? I am thinking that since this is not an US approved seat, They can not be of much help? Can someone clarify for me?
 

lanwenyi

New member
That is nearly word for word the exact e-mail that I got. Yeah! I'm not alone! I was worried abt posting it on the internet w/o the author's permission, but you removed all the identifying info!

Update on my 2nd seat: Guess what, this morning when I went out the LATCH strap was super loose (over 4 inches, I could practically lay the seat on its side!). It was tight yesterday morning, but DH put DD in the seat yesterday afternoon. I had to reinstall the seat this morning with the seatbelt. Apparently a diff LATCH strap didn't help after all. It stayed tight for 2 DAYS, but then loosened. I'm back to being frustrated! My car gets a more upright install w/ LATCH.

Anyone have a CS e-mail addy for SK? The form on their website is not secured, so I won't use it (asks for my real name) and I almost never make it home before 5pm PDT.

Do I do another NHTSA report? Or just e-mail the ODI employee who e-mailed me?
 

lanwenyi

New member
Here is the txt of my e-mail from NHTSA as I received it on 4/28/11 (which is the reason I started this thread)
Dear {lanwenyi}

I work in the Office of Defects Investigation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). We conduct investigations of potential safety defects in motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. The purpose of these investigations is to determine whether there is a need for the NHTSA to order manufacturers to conduct safety defect notification and recall campaigns to reduce the potential for crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Please understand that the office is not conducting a formal investigation at this time, but rather, we are evaluating the issue you raised in your report.

I have a few follow up questions that will assist me to review your complaint regarding the Sunshine Kids Radian. Any additional information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

· Can you confirm the model number and date of manufacture of your seat?
When did you first notice the LATCH straps had loosened?
How long had you been using the seat?
Did the LATCH straps loosen while in use? Please describe.
What is the age/weight of the child who is using the seat?
Was the seat installed rear or forward facing?
What year and model of vehicle was the seat installed in? 2011 VW Jetta
Which seating position was the seat installed in? passenger rear
· How often does the problem occur?
· What do you think is causing the strap to loosen?
· Can you estimate how tight the initial installation was to how much the seat had loosened? ( moved_ inches at initial install/ _ inches when discovered loose)
D Do you still own the seat and complaint LATCH strap?
Have you spoken with the manufacturer? If so, what was the outcome?


Thank you in advance for your assistance and interest in traffic safety.

Sincerely,

{Name}
Safety Defects Specialist
USDOT/NHTSA
Office of Defects Investigation
{address/phone number/e-mail address}

It's almost identical except for some minor wording differences and that she had already included my car and radian placement info. I wonder if more of these will be going out and they've been playing with the wording.

I can include the txt of my reply if people are interested. It took me forever to make sure I included all the info and was as clear as possible.
 

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