Britax Recalls Modified Thru-Bolt Axles for Use with BOB Jogging Strollers Distributed Through the BOB Information Campaign Due to Fall and Injury Hazards (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

If you have been part of the BOB Information Campaign or own a BOB jogging stroller manufactured between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2015, it is important to understand exactly which component is at the center of this safety alert. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall notice concerning a specific modification made to the front wheel axle system. Specifically, Britax has recalled modified thru-bolt axles that were distributed as part of a special incentive program. This was not a standard sale item found on retail shelves; rather, these parts were provided free of charge to eligible consumers who participated in the BOB Information Campaign, which was announced by Britax on January 10, 2019. Understanding this distinction is crucial because you may not have purchased this part yourself, but rather received it as a complimentary service or upgrade offer.

The specific component being recalled is identified by the model number S11393700. This is the modified thru-bolt axle designed for use with BOB Jogging Strollers. The recall targets units manufactured within a six-year window, from January 1, 2009, through September 30, 2015. While the CPSC record does not specify the exact total number of these modified axles distributed to consumers, it confirms that this was a targeted distribution linked directly to the campaign mentioned above. If your stroller falls within that manufacturing date range and you engaged with Britax during the information campaign period, there is a significant likelihood that this specific axle model is installed on your front wheel.

The scope of this recall is defined by the nature of the distribution method. Because these axles were provided as an incentive rather than sold separately, they might be overlooked in a standard inventory check. Britax initiated direct contact with consumers who received these modified thru-bolt axles to inform them of the safety issue and to coordinate replacements. However, for those who are unsure of their status or who participated in the campaign but have not yet been contacted, this recall serves as an official public notification. It is vital to verify whether your specific stroller model and the axle installed on it match the criteria outlined by the agency to ensure you take the appropriate next steps for safety.

The hazard, explained

To understand why this recall matters, it is helpful to look at the specific mechanical failure involved. The issue centers on a small but critical component called the thru-bolt axle located in the front wheel of certain BOB Jogging Strollers. In normal operation, this bolt acts as the central anchor that holds the wheel firmly in place on the stroller’s frame. It is designed to withstand significant force, especially since jogging strollers are built for active use where wheels endure constant impact from pavement and uneven terrain. However, Britax has identified that a specific batch of these axles—part number S11393700—was manufactured with modifications that make them susceptible to structural failure.

The primary physical problem is that this modified thru-bolt can fracture under stress. While the bolt may appear intact on the outside, internal weaknesses or material flaws in this specific modification can cause it to crack and eventually break apart. When the axle fractures, it loses its ability to secure the front wheel to the stroller. This is not a gradual wear-and-tear issue that you might notice over months; it is a sudden mechanical failure. The moment the bolt breaks, the connection between the wheel and the frame is severed.

What happens next is both immediate and dangerous. Without the axle holding it in place, the front wheel can detach completely from the stroller while you are walking or jogging. This detachment creates two distinct types of harm. First, for the child seated in the stroller, the sudden loss of a front wheel destabilizes the entire unit. A jogging stroller is tall and narrow by design to aid maneuverability; when one front wheel drops away, the center of gravity shifts violently. The stroller can tip forward or sideways, potentially throwing the child from their seat or trapping them under the collapsing frame. Second, for the adult operating the stroller, the sudden resistance change or collapse of the wheel can cause a loss of control. You might be forced to stumble backward or trip, leading to falls that can injure both you and your child.

It is important to note that this hazard is not theoretical. According to the CPSC recall alert, Britax has received eight confirmed reports of these modified thru-bolts actually fracturing. While there have been no reported injuries to date, the potential for serious harm remains high because the failure mode—sudden wheel detachment—is unpredictable and happens without warning during active use. The risk is not just about a broken part; it is about the loss of stability at the most critical point of the stroller’s structure.

This specific hazard applies only to the axles distributed through the BOB Information Campaign announced on January 10, 2019. If you did not participate in that campaign or receive this specific free incentive part, your stroller likely has a standard axle that is not subject to this fracture risk. However, if you have the modified axle installed on a stroller manufactured between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2015, the structural integrity of your front wheel assembly is compromised until the part is replaced.

Who is most at risk

The primary group affected by this recall consists of parents and guardians who own or operate BOB Jogging Strollers manufactured between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2015. However, the specific risk here is not tied to the stroller’s age alone, but rather to a very particular component: the modified thru-bolt axle with model number S11393700. This part was distributed free of charge as an incentive to eligible consumers through the BOB Information Campaign announced in January 2019. Therefore, the individuals at greatest risk are those who participated in that campaign and accepted this specific free replacement axle for their front wheel. If you have a BOB stroller from those years but never received or installed this specific modified thru-bolt, your immediate risk is lower, though it is always wise to verify your equipment.

The people most vulnerable to injury in the event of a failure are the children riding in the stroller and the adults pushing it. For children, the hazard is severe because the front wheel can detach suddenly without warning if the modified thru-bolt fractures. A BOB jogging stroller is designed for active use, often on uneven terrain like trails or sidewalks, where speed and momentum are factors. If the front wheel detaches while in motion, the stroller can tip forward or veer sharply, potentially causing the child to be ejected from their seat or crushed against the frame. Young children lack the physical strength and coordination to brace themselves during such a sudden mechanical failure, making them disproportionately vulnerable to falls, impact injuries, or trauma.

Adults operating the stroller are also at significant risk, particularly those who jog or push the stroller with some force. The thru-bolt is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of the front wheel assembly. When it fractures, the loss of wheel support can cause the handlebars to jerk unpredictably. This can lead to the operator losing their grip or balance, resulting in falls that may cause wrist sprains, shoulder injuries, or more serious impacts depending on the surface and speed. Jogging parents often run with one hand free or while managing other items, which reduces their ability to react quickly to a mechanical failure. The combination of reduced reaction time and the physical demands of jogging amplifies the danger.

While Britax has received eight reports of the modified thru-bolt fracturing, there have been no reported injuries as of the recall date. This is reassuring, but it does not mean the risk is zero. Mechanical failures can be unpredictable, and a fracture could occur at any moment during use. The vulnerability extends to anyone who relies on the stroller for daily mobility, including those with limited physical ability who may depend on the stroller for transporting a child over longer distances. Ensuring that this specific component is replaced is crucial not just for compliance, but for the ongoing safety of your family and yourself.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own a BOB jogging stroller, it is important to understand that this recall does not involve the entire vehicle itself. Instead, it targets a very specific, smaller component: the modified thru-bolt axle installed on the front wheel. Because this part was provided as a free incentive during a specific promotional period, identifying whether your stroller has this particular axle requires you to look beyond just the brand name and examine the hardware details carefully. You cannot simply assume your stroller is safe or unsafe based on its color or overall condition; you must verify the specific part number.

The first step in identification is to determine if your stroller falls within the manufacturing window of January 1, 2009, to September 30, 2015. If your BOB jogging stroller was produced outside of this date range, it is not subject to this specific recall regarding the modified thru-bolt. However, even if your stroller was made during these years, you still need to confirm whether it has the affected part. The critical identifier you are looking for is the model number stamped or printed on the axle itself. You must locate the front wheel of your stroller and inspect the bolt that secures it. If the modified thru-bolt axle is present, it will bear the model number S11393700. This specific alphanumeric code is the definitive marker for the recalled component.

To find this number, you may need to get down on the ground and look closely at the front wheel assembly. The thru-bolt runs through the center of the wheel hub. Depending on the angle of your stroller and the lighting, you might need to use a flashlight or wipe away any dirt or grass clippings that could obscure the engraving. It is crucial not to confuse this with other bolts on the stroller, such as those holding the handlebars or the folding mechanism. You are specifically looking for the bolt connecting the front wheel to the frame.

If you participated in the BOB Information Campaign announced on January 10, 2019, and you were one of the eligible consumers who received a free modified thru-bolt axle as an incentive, your stroller definitely contains the recalled part. In this case, you do not need to hunt for the model number to confirm eligibility; Britax has already identified you as part of the affected group. They are contacting these consumers directly. However, if you did not participate in that campaign, or if you are unsure whether you received the free axle, you must physically inspect your front wheel for the S11393700 model number. If you find this number on the front wheel bolt of a stroller made between 2009 and 2015, you have the recalled item. If you cannot find the number or are uncertain, it is safest to assume the part might be affected until you can verify it with Britax.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you are worried that your BOB jogging stroller might be part of this recall, the good news is that Britax has set up a clear and straightforward remedy to address the issue. Because the problem involves a specific safety component rather than the entire stroller, the company’s primary solution is focused on repairing the defect rather than issuing a full refund or replacing the whole unit. This approach is common in product recalls where the core structure of the item remains safe and functional, but a single part poses a risk. In this case, Britax is providing free replacement thru-bolt axles to correct the hazard.

The process for getting your fix depends largely on how you originally obtained the recalled part. If you participated in the BOB Information Campaign that was announced earlier this year, Britax states that they are already handling the logistics for you. Specifically, consumers who have been contacted by Britax as part of that campaign will automatically receive a replacement thru-bolt axle without needing to take any additional action. This automatic distribution is designed to reduce stress and ensure that those most likely to be affected are covered quickly.

For those who did not participate in the campaign or who simply want to verify their status, Britax offers two convenient ways to reach them for assistance. You can call their toll-free customer service line at 888-427-4829. It is important to note their specific hours of operation: they are available from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Eastern Time on Mondays through Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time on Fridays. Alternatively, you may send an email to US-customerservice@britax.com if you prefer written communication or need to provide details about your stroller model.

When you contact Britax, they will arrange for a free replacement thru-bolt axle to be sent to you. This part is specifically manufactured for use with BOB Jogging Strollers made between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2015. The model number of the recalled modified thru-bolt axle is S11393700, so having this information ready when you call or email can help speed up the verification process. Once you receive the new axle, you should follow any installation instructions provided to ensure the front wheel is securely attached, thereby eliminating the risk of the wheel detaching during use.

There is no mention in the recall notice of monetary refunds for the strollers themselves, as the remedy is strictly limited to the free replacement of the defective component. This means you do not need to worry about complex return shipping fees or reimbursement forms; Britax covers the cost of the part entirely. By taking this step, you are directly addressing the fracture hazard that has been reported in eight instances, ensuring that your jogging experience remains safe for both you and your child.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why a parent might hesitate to stop using their jogging stroller. These are not just simple pushchairs; they are complex pieces of engineering designed for active lifestyles, running errands in the rain, or navigating rough park trails. When Britax identified that the modified thru-bolt axles could fracture, they issued this recall because the integrity of that single metal component is the primary anchor holding the front wheel to the frame. Ignoring this warning means continuing to subject a potentially compromised connection to the immense stresses of daily use.

The specific danger lies in how the bolt fails. The thru-bolt is designed to pass through the wheel hub and secure it tightly against the stroller’s fork. If this modified bolt fractures, it does not merely loosen; it breaks. When that metal gives way under the weight of a child and the momentum of movement, the front wheel can detach entirely from the stroller. This is not a gradual wear-and-tear issue that you might notice as wobbling over weeks; it is a sudden, catastrophic structural failure. For a jogging stroller, which is often used at speeds significantly faster than a walking pace, losing a front wheel instantly destabilizes the entire vehicle.

The consequences of this detachment are severe and immediate. Without the front wheel to guide direction and support weight, the stroller can tip forward or collapse unpredictably. For the child seated inside, this creates a high risk of being thrown from the restraint system or crushed by the collapsing frame. Even if the child remains strapped in, the sudden jolt can cause serious impact injuries to the head or body against the ground or the stroller’s own components. The hazard is not limited to the child, however. The adult operating the stroller is also at significant risk. When a wheel detaches while running or jogging, the operator loses control of the direction entirely. This can lead to the operator falling forward, potentially sustaining injuries from the fall themselves, or dragging the unstable stroller into traffic, pedestrians, or obstacles.

While Britax has reported eight instances where the modified thru-bolt fractured, they have noted that there are currently no reports of injuries associated with this specific defect. This silence in the injury data is comforting, but it should not be interpreted as safety. It likely reflects either the luck of timing—where the failure occurred during low-speed use or stopped before a fall happened—or simply that these incidents were caught before they escalated. However, the mechanics of the failure remain unchanged. A fractured axle means a detached wheel. In the context of mobility equipment for children, "no injuries yet" is not a guarantee of future safety; it is a warning that the potential for harm is present and waiting for the right combination of speed, weight, and terrain to trigger a tragedy. Continuing to use the stroller with this known defect is essentially gambling with that outcome.

Furthermore, ignoring the recall undermines the engineering safeguards built into the rest of the stroller. The BOB jogging strollers made between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2015, were designed to distribute weight and absorb shock through a fully intact front assembly. When one critical bolt fails, that distribution system is broken. You are no longer operating a balanced, safe device; you are managing an unstable object that can behave erratically in ways the manufacturer never intended. The risk extends beyond physical injury to the loss of trust in your equipment. If you rely on your stroller for daily exercise or transport, knowing it has a hidden point of failure that could leave you stranded or cause a fall adds an unnecessary layer of anxiety to what should be a routine activity.

In short, doing nothing allows a known mechanical weakness to remain active in your home. The remedy is simple: stop using the modified axle and get the free replacement. The cost of waiting is potentially much higher than the effort of making that call or checking your email. Your safety and your child’s safety depend on the front wheel staying exactly where it belongs: firmly attached to the stroller.

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