Walmart Ozark Trail Water Bottle Recall

When consumers purchase reusable water bottles, they expect safety, durability, and convenience—not a risk of serious, life-altering injuries. Unfortunately, a recently announced recall of the Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle, sold exclusively by Walmart, has raised alarming concerns after reports that defective bottles have caused permanent eye damage. With more than 850,000 units recalled and two people left permanently blinded, this product recall is a powerful reminder of the importance of safety testing, accountability, and knowing your rights under Illinois product liability law.

About the Defective Water Bottle

The recalled product is the Ozark Trail 64-ounce Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Water Bottle, identified by model number 83-462, which was sold in Walmart stores and online between April 2017 and April 2024 for approximately $15. The bottle features a stainless steel silver body with a black screw-on lid and includes the Ozark Trail logo on the front. While the model number does not appear on the bottle itself, it was listed on the product’s packaging at the time of purchase.

The bottle was imported and sold by Walmart Inc., headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, and manufactured by Olympia Tools International Inc. based in Covina, California. The product was made in China.

The Hazard: Ejecting Caps Leading to Severe Injuries

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the bottle poses a serious impact and laceration hazard. When the bottle contains perishable liquids, carbonated beverages, or food, pressure can build up inside. If the product is stored over time and then opened, the pressure may cause the lid to forcefully eject, potentially turning the cap into a dangerous projectile.

The risk is not hypothetical. Walmart has received three reports of injuries, including two cases of permanent vision loss and one report of facial injuries. The CPSC issued an urgent warning to consumers, urging them to stop using the product immediately and return it for a full refund.

Why This Happens: Pressure Build-Up and Poor Design

While the bottle itself is marketed as insulated and suitable for hot or cold beverages, its design failed to account for pressure expansion from fermenting or carbonated liquids. Liquids such as juice, milk, smoothies, or soda can undergo microbial activity or gas release when sealed, especially if the product is not stored properly. Without any kind of pressure relief valve or venting mechanism, the tightly sealed cap becomes unstable—and in some cases, dangerous.

Experts note that this design flaw could have been identified through more rigorous product testing that considers real-world usage. Many consumers routinely store juice, protein shakes, and other perishable beverages in insulated bottles. A lack of foresight in the design process means the product was unfit for many of its intended uses.

What Consumers Should Do

Consumers who own this product should take immediate action. The CPSC and Walmart recommend the following steps:

• Stop using the bottle immediately, regardless of whether it has caused issues.
• Return the bottle to any Walmart store for a full refund.
• Contact Walmart at 1-800-925-6278, available between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Central Time, or visit walmart.com/help or corporate.walmart.com/recalls.
• Do not attempt to open a bottle that has been sealed with perishable liquids inside.

It’s also important to note that under federal law, it is illegal to sell or resell a recalled product. This applies to thrift stores, online marketplaces, and even garage sales. If you encounter this bottle for sale after July 10, 2025, report it to the CPSC immediately.

Product Liability Claims in Illinois

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product like the Ozark Trail water bottle, you may have the right to pursue a product liability claim under Illinois law. Product liability refers to the legal responsibility of manufacturers, distributors, or retailers for harm caused by defective or dangerous products. In Illinois, these claims are governed by the Illinois Product Liability Act (735 ILCS 5/2-621) and may be based on several legal theories, including:

• Design Defect: When a product’s design is inherently dangerous, even if manufactured correctly.
• Manufacturing Defect: When the product deviates from its intended design due to errors in production.
• Failure to Warn: When the manufacturer does not adequately warn consumers about foreseeable risks.

Under Illinois law, injured consumers do not need to prove negligence. Instead, strict liability applies—meaning a plaintiff must only prove that:

1. The product was unreasonably dangerous.
2. The product was defective when it left the manufacturer’s control.
3. The defect caused the plaintiff’s injury.

In cases of serious eye trauma or vision loss, these claims can result in substantial compensation for medical bills, lost income, disability, pain and suffering, and loss of normal life.

Eye Injuries and Long-Term Consequences

Eye injuries resulting in permanent blindness arecatastrophic. Victims may need lifelong medical care, including surgeries, assistive technologies, and rehabilitation. They may no longer be able to drive, work, or engage in normal daily activities. Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life often accompany these injuries, along with significant financial strain.

When preventable design flaws cause such life-altering consequences, victims and their families deserve justice—and the companies responsible should be held accountable.

What You Should Do If Injured By a Defective Product

If you or someone you know suffered injuries after using a recalled Ozark Trail bottle, follow these steps:

1. Seek immediate medical attention and document all injuries.
2. Preserve the bottle and packaging, if possible. Do not discard it—it may serve as crucial evidence.
3. Take photos of the injuries and the product itself.
4. Save receipts or proof of purchase, even if from years ago.
5. Contact an experienced Illinois product liability attorney to learn your rights.

These steps are essential for protecting your potential legal claim and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Top-Rated Illinois Defective Product Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we are dedicated to helping victims of dangerous and defective products hold manufacturers and retailers accountable. We have extensive experience handling product liability cases throughout Illinois, including those involving household goods, medical devices, consumer electronics, and more.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to the Ozark Trail water bottle—or any other recalled product—you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our legal team will conduct a thorough investigation, work with experts, and fight to get you the justice you deserve.

“When a product as common as a water bottle results in permanent injuries, it’s time to demand accountability. No one should suffer blindness or trauma because a manufacturer cut corners,” says Naperville product liability attorney John J. Malm

Take Action Now

Product liability cases in Illinois are subject to strict time limits, and valuable evidence can be lost if you delay. If you’ve been injured by a defective product like the recalled Ozark Trail bottle, contact us today.

Call 844-MALMLAW or (630) 527-4177, or fill out our confidential online form. Let us help you hold negligent corporations accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward. Your recovery starts with one call.