Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Mercury Mariner and 2006 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system is a standardized and uniform attachment system for installing child safety seats in passenger vehicles. LATCH-equipped child safety seats have 2 lower attachments that connect to the vehicle portion of the LATCH system.

The vehicle portion of the system consists of 2 attachment points (6-mm wires) welded to the 60 percent and the 40 percent rear seat backrest frame. The attachment points protrude from the biteline between the seat cushion and seat backrest.

If a child safety seat was in use during a collision, inspect the vehicle portion of the system for damage. If any of the attachment points (6-mm wires) are damaged, install a new seat backrest frame. For additional information on installing a new seat backrest frame, refer to SEATING .