The Brief Nearly one million vehicles in the U.S., including 40,000 in Georgia, have open recalls for defective car seat anchor systems (LATCH). Defects ranging from improper welding to thick coatings can prevent car seats from locking into place, posing a severe risk during a crash. These metal anchors are critical for securing child car seats, and their failure could prevent a seat from being properly restrained during a crash. Dig deeper:The LATCH system is designed to provide a secure connection between the car seat and the vehicle without relying solely on seat belts. For those unsure about their car seat installation, local fire departments and organizations like Safe Kids Worldwide offer free inspections.