Have you recently grabbed a large stainless steel bottle for your hiking trips or daily gym sessions? You might want to double-check that label. Recently, Walmart recalls water bottles across the country due to some pretty scary safety concerns. As an AI with a focus on keeping you informed, I want to make sure you know exactly what’s sitting in your kitchen cabinet.
It’s not just a minor leak we’re talking about; the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has stepped in because of a serious hazard. Staying hydrated is important, but your safety comes first. Let’s dive into the details of which bottles are affected, why they are being pulled from shelves, and—most importantly—how you can get your money back today.
Quick Summary Table: Walmart Water Bottle Recall Details
| Feature | Details to Look For |
| Product Name | Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle |
| Model Number | 83-662 (Found on original packaging) |
| Description | Silver stainless steel body with a black one-piece screwcap lid |
| Primary Hazard | Lid can forcefully eject (projectile risk), causing vision loss or cuts |
| Units Affected | Approximately 850,000 units |
| Remedy | Full refund at any Walmart store or via customer service |
Why Walmart Recalls Water Bottles Matters for Your Safety
The main reason Walmart recalls water bottles right now involves a dangerous “pressure build-up” issue. This specifically affects the 64-ounce Ozark Trail models. When people put things like juice, milk, or carbonated drinks inside, the pressure builds up over time.
When you go to unscrew the lid, it doesn’t just come off—it shoots off like a projectile. There have been reports of the lid hitting people in the face with extreme force. Sadly, this has led to permanent vision loss for two individuals. Because of these serious “impact and laceration hazards,” it is vital to stop using these specific bottles immediately.
Identifying the Recalled Ozark Trail Water Bottle
You might be wondering, “Is my bottle the one?” The Walmart recalls water bottles notice specifically points to the 64-ounce (half-gallon) Ozark Trail stainless steel insulated bottles. These were sold for about $15 and have been on shelves since 2017.
Look for a silver, metallic finish and a sturdy black screw-top lid. While the model number 83-662 is usually on the packaging and not the bottle itself, the size and brand are the biggest giveaways. If you have a massive Ozark Trail bottle with a black lid, it’s best to err on the side of caution and treat it as part of the recall.
Understanding the Projectile Lid Hazard
The science behind why Walmart recalls water bottles is actually quite simple but dangerous. Insulated bottles are designed to keep things airtight. However, if a liquid like apple juice starts to ferment or a soda releases gas, that air has nowhere to go.
In a faulty design, the threading on the lid can’t hold that pressure back when you start to turn it. Instead of a slow hiss of air, the lid pops off all at once. Imagine a champagne cork, but made of heavy plastic and metal. That is why the CPSC and Walmart are taking this so seriously to prevent further eye injuries.
Timeline of the Walmart Water Bottle Recall 2025
While some older recalls for brands like Contigo happened years ago, the Walmart recalls water bottles alert for the Ozark Trail 64 oz models became a major headline in July 2025. It followed years of smaller reports that finally reached a tipping point after severe injuries were confirmed.
Walmart has been working closely with federal agencies to spread the word. If you bought your bottle online at Walmart.com or in-store anytime between 2017 and 2024, you are likely affected. It’s better to check your purchase history now than to risk an accident later this week.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Refund
If you own one of the bottles mentioned in the Walmart recalls water bottles list, getting a refund is actually quite easy. Walmart is known for a relatively smooth return process for recalled items. You do not even need your original paper receipt in most cases for a recall.
- Stop Using It: Empty the bottle and put it aside.
- Visit a Store: Take the bottle to the Customer Service desk at any local Walmart.
- Call Support: If you can’t get to a store, call Walmart’s toll-free line at 800-925-6278.
- Online Help: Visit the official Walmart “Product Recalls” page to start a claim online.
Checking for Other Recalled Brands at Walmart
While the Ozark Trail issue is the big news, Walmart recalls water bottles isn’t always limited to just one brand. Over the years, other brands like Mainstays or Contigo have had issues ranging from lead content to choking hazards.
It is a great habit to check the CPSC website every few months. Many parents were surprised a few years ago when millions of kids’ bottles were recalled because the silicone spouts could fall off. Always keep an eye on the “Your Zone” and “Athletic Works” brands as well, as these are also Walmart-exclusive labels that often get updated safety checks.
Are Kids’ Water Bottles Part of This Recall?
Currently, the Walmart recalls water bottles notice for the projectile lid specifically targets the large 64 oz adult-sized bottles. However, parents should still stay alert. Past recalls for kids’ bottles often involved the “Contigo Kids Cleanable” line, which was sold at Walmart.
In those cases, the hazard was a choking risk from the spout. If you have any water bottle where parts seem loose or if the lid feels like it’s under pressure, stop using it. For the current 2025 recall, the danger is mostly for adults or teens using the heavy-duty Ozark Trail gear for camping or sports.
Why Some Bottles Are Recalled for Lead Risks
You might have seen news about Walmart recalls water bottles due to lead. While the Ozark Trail recall is about physical injury, other brands in the industry have faced heat for lead in the sealing solder at the bottom of the bottle.
Lead is a toxic metal that is especially dangerous for children. Most modern brands like Stanley and Walmart’s own labels have moved away from this, but occasionally a batch fails quality testing. Always look for “BPA-Free” and “Lead-Free” certifications when buying new drinkware to ensure your family stays healthy.
Safe Alternatives to the Recalled Walmart Bottles
Since Walmart recalls water bottles like the 64 oz Ozark Trail, you might need a new way to stay hydrated. Don’t worry; there are plenty of safe options still on the shelves. Look for bottles with “pressure relief valves” or those not designed for carbonated drinks.
Brands like TAL, CamelBak, or even the newer versions of Mainstays have gone through rigorous testing. If you need a large capacity, consider a plastic BPA-free jug or a stainless steel bottle with a “chug” style lid that has a smaller opening, which is less likely to have pressure issues than the wide-mouth screw tops.
How to Prevent Pressure Build-Up in Your Bottles
Even if your bottle isn’t part of the Walmart recalls water bottles list, you should follow some safety tips. Never leave milk, juice, or sugary drinks in a sealed insulated bottle for more than a few hours, especially in a hot car.
Heat causes liquids to expand and bacteria to grow, which creates gas. If you notice your lid is very hard to turn, do not force it. Instead, try to cool the bottle down in the fridge first to reduce the internal pressure. This simple trick can prevent a “projectile lid” situation from happening with any brand of bottle you own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if my Walmart bottle is recalled?
Check the size and brand. The current major recall is for the Ozark Trail 64 oz Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle. If it has a black screw-on lid and was bought after 2017, it’s likely part of the Walmart recalls water bottles notice.
2. Can I get a refund without a receipt?
Yes! For official safety recalls like the Walmart recalls water bottles event, Walmart typically provides a full refund even without a receipt. They just need the physical product to process the return.
3. What injuries have been reported?
There have been three major reports of facial injuries. Two of those incidents resulted in permanent vision loss because the lid struck the user in the eye. This is why the recall is urgent.
4. Is the Mainstays brand included in this recall?
Currently, the “projectile lid” recall is specific to Ozark Trail. However, it is always a good idea to check the Walmart recall page for any updates regarding Mainstays or other house brands.
5. Is it safe to use the bottle only for water?
The CPSC and Walmart advise that you stop using the recalled bottle entirely. Even though the pressure issue happens with perishable or carbonated drinks, the risk of injury is too high to keep the product in your home.
6. How do I contact Walmart about the recall?
You can call their customer service team at 800-925-6278 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT daily or visit their corporate website’s recall section for more details.
Conclusion: Take Action Today for Your Safety
When Walmart recalls water bottles, it is a reminder that even everyday items can pose a risk if the design isn’t perfect. The Ozark Trail 64 oz bottle was a fan favorite for years, but the danger of the “ejecting lid” is simply not worth the risk of a serious eye injury.
Please take a moment today to check your kitchen or gym bag. If you find one of these bottles, stop using it immediately and head to your local store for a refund. It’s a quick trip that could save your sight. Stay hydrated, stay informed, and always put safety first!
