Is the Britax MARATHON (E9L17) car seat recalled?

Yes. Transport Canada has 1 recall on record for the Britax MARATHON (E9L17) car seat. The latest, recall 2004286 from August 10, 2004, covers model years 2003, 2004: On certain child seats, the adjuster strap may slip within the metal adjuster that controls the tightness of the harness, which could allow the harness to loosen.

Recall 2004286: model years 2003, 2004

What's wrong: On certain child seats, the adjuster strap may slip within the metal adjuster that controls the tightness of the harness, which could allow the harness to loosen. If this condition were to occur, in the event of a crash, the seat's occupant could move too far forward, possibly increasing the risk of injury. Correction: Britax will provide a free adjuster replacement strap and detailed instructions to all owners.

Published August 10, 2004. Read the official notice

How do I know if my Britax MARATHON (E9L17) is affected?

Check the label on the side, back or bottom of the seat for the model number and date of manufacture, and compare them with the model years and dates in the official notice.

Is the fix free?

Recall remedies are free from the maker. The official notice lists how to get it, and Recallify can contact the maker for you.

Owner complaints in the US

NHTSA, the US road safety regulator, has 235 owner complaints on file that mention Britax "Marathon" car seats (US reports since 1995, most recent 2025). Complaints are owners' reports, not confirmed defects, and US and Canadian models can differ. Search NHTSA

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