Walmart recalls water bottles following severe safety concerns that have left two consumers with permanent vision loss. The retail giant announced the recall of approximately 850,000 Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottles on July 11, 2025, after reports of lids forcefully ejecting and striking users in the face.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued an urgent warning about these dangerous water bottles, emphasizing the severe nature of the injuries reported. Three consumers have been injured when struck in the face by lids that forcefully ejected from these bottles upon opening, with two suffering permanent vision loss after being struck in the eye.
Why These Water Bottles Are Dangerous
The lid can forcefully eject, posing serious impact and laceration hazards, when a consumer attempts to open the capped bottles after food, carbonated beverages or perishable beverages, such as juice or milk, are stored inside over time. This creates a pressurized environment that can cause the lid to shoot off with significant force.
The recalled bottles are easily identifiable by their distinctive features. The stainless-steel bottles are silver with a black one-piece screwcap lid, measuring 4.41 x 4.41 x 11.5 inches with an Ozark Trail logo embedded on the side. The model number 83-662 appears on the product packaging, though not on the bottle itself.
Key Points Summary
- 850,000 Ozark Trail water bottles affected by recall
- Two consumers suffered permanent vision loss from ejecting lids
- Bottles become dangerous when storing food or beverages other than water
- Full refunds available at Walmart stores or through customer service
- Immediate discontinuation of use strongly recommended
What Makes This Walmart Recalls Water Bottles Situation Critical
The severity of this recall cannot be overstated. Unlike typical product recalls that involve minor defects or potential issues, this situation has already resulted in life-altering injuries. The permanent vision loss experienced by two consumers highlights the serious safety hazard these bottles pose to users.
The problem occurs when users store substances other than water in these bottles. Carbonated beverages or perishable beverages, such as juice or milk, stored inside over time create pressure buildup that can cause the lid to eject with dangerous force when opened.
Immediate Actions Required
Consumers who own these water bottles should take immediate action. Stop using the recalled water bottles immediately and contact Walmart for a full refund. The company is offering complete refunds without requiring proof of purchase.
Customers have multiple options for obtaining their refund. They can bring the bottle to their nearest Walmart store for immediate processing, or contact Walmart’s customer service line at 800-925-6278, available from 7 a.m. through 9 p.m. CT daily.
Company Response and Manufacturer Details
Olympia Tools International Inc., of Covina, California and Walmart Inc., of Bentonville, Arkansas are working together to address this serious safety concern. The companies have committed to processing refunds quickly and efficiently to ensure consumer safety.
Walmart has been proactive in communicating this recall through multiple channels, including their website and customer service representatives. The company’s recall webpage provides detailed information and step-by-step instructions for consumers seeking refunds.
Prevention and Safety Measures
While waiting for their refund, consumers should ensure these bottles are stored safely away from children and adults who might accidentally use them. The force with which these lids can eject poses risks not just to the user but to anyone nearby.
The recall serves as an important reminder about product safety and the importance of using products only as intended. Even seemingly simple items like water bottles can pose serious risks when design flaws interact with user behavior.
Moving Forward
This recall demonstrates the importance of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s oversight role in protecting consumers from dangerous products. The swift action taken by both Walmart and the CPSC likely prevented additional serious injuries.
For consumers affected by this recall, the priority should be obtaining a refund and ensuring these dangerous bottles are no longer in circulation. The permanent vision loss suffered by two consumers serves as a stark reminder of why product safety recalls must be taken seriously.
Stay informed about this developing situation and ensure your family’s safety by checking your water bottles immediately. Have you encountered any issues with water bottle lids ejecting unexpectedly? Share your experiences in the comments below to help keep others safe.