Nearly one million vehicles currently on U.S. roads have open recalls for defective LATCH connectors. LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. Also known as Isofix, the United States has required this child seat anchoring system in new cars since September 2002.

The system uses built-in metal anchors and tethers to secure child car seats without relying on seat belts. These anchors are what hold child seats firmly in place, keeping children properly restrained and safe, especially in a crash or sudden stop.

According to the latest CARFAX data, manufacturers have recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles in recent years for defective child seat anchors. Of those, nearly one million still have open recalls.

Among the defects that have caused recalls are faulty welds, misaligned anchors, and coatings that could interfere with or prevent proper installation. These recalls cover several vehicles across different makes and model years.

“There are two types of anchors – the lower anchors and tether anchors,” CARFAX reports. “Familiarize yourself with where they are located and consult your vehicle and car seat manuals for guidance. Proper use is critical. Studies have shown that child-restraint misuse rates remain significant even with LATCH systems, underscoring the importance of correct installation.”

Which states have the most vehicles in need of fixing defective LATCH connectors?

The state with the most open recalls for defective child seat anchors is California, with 132,000 vehicles still awaiting updates to the system. Texas still has 89,900 vehicles with defective LATCH connectors on the road. Florida still has 60,700 vehicles that are out of compliance.

New York (51,400), Ohio (42,300), Pennsylvania (40,900), Georgia (37,500), North Carolina (33,600), Illinois (30,200), and Virginia (27,900) complete the list of states with the most open LATCH recalls.

“LATCH systems are designed to protect our most vulnerable passengers,” said Faisal Hasan, Vice President of Data at CARFAX. “These recalls are not isolated to just one automaker or model year, so parents should check right away if their vehicle has an open recall and schedule free repairs as soon as possible.”

To check whether your vehicle still has an outstanding recall for defective LATCH connectors, visit carfax.com/recall. If your vehicle still needs updating, contact your dealership or the manufacturer. They should make the fix for no cost.