What Does The Igloo Cooler Recall Mean For Consumers?

In February 2025, Igloo Products Corp. initiated a significant recall of over one million of its 90-quart Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers due to serious safety concerns. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that the tow handle of these coolers poses a risk of pinching consumers’ fingertips, leading to potential amputations and crushing injuries. This recall has garnered widespread attention, highlighting the importance of product safety and consumer awareness.

For consumers in the United States and here in Illinois, this recent product recall underscores the importance of product safety and consumer awareness. In this blog, we will explore the Igloo Cooler recall and how defective product claims work in Illinois.

Details of the Igloo Cooler Recall

The recall specifically targets the Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured before January 2024. These coolers were sold in various color combinations and distributed through major retailers such as Costco, Target, Academy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and online platforms including Amazon.com and Igloocoolers.com. The affected units were available for purchase from January 2019 through January 2025, priced between $80 and $140. In total, approximately 1,060,000 units in the United States, 47,000 in Canada, and 23,000 in Mexico are subject to this recall.

Nature of the Hazard Associated With the Igloo Coolers

The primary concern prompting this recall is the design of the tow handle. Reports indicate that the handle can pinch users’ fingertips against the cooler’s body, posing significant risks of amputation and crushing injuries. To date, Igloo has received 12 reports of such injuries in the United States, including cases of fingertip amputations, bone fractures, and lacerations. No injuries have been reported in Canada or Mexico.

What to Do If You Own a Recalled Cooler

Consumers who own the recalled coolers are strongly advised to cease using them immediately. Igloo is offering a free replacement handle to rectify the issue. To obtain this replacement, customers can contact Igloo directly through their toll-free number at 866-509-3503, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. central time. Alternatively, requests can be made via email at recall@igloocoolers.com or through the company’s official website at https://www.igloocoolers.com/pages/safety-alerts. The model number and date of manufacture, which are essential for identifying affected units, are located on the bottom of the cooler. The date is imprinted in a circular pattern, with an arrow pointing to the month and the last two digits of the year of manufacture inside the circle.

The Broader Implications of Defective Products and Product Recalls

Product recalls of this magnitude have far-reaching implications, both for consumers and manufacturers. For consumers, such recalls serve as a stark reminder of the importance of staying informed about potential hazards associated with everyday products. Regularly checking for recall notices and promptly responding to them can prevent serious injuries.

For manufacturers, this incident highlights the necessity of rigorous quality control and proactive safety design. Ensuring that products undergo comprehensive testing before reaching the market can mitigate the risk of such hazards. Moreover, establishing efficient channels for consumers to report issues and facilitating swift corrective actions are essential components of responsible corporate practice.

In response to this recall, industry analysts anticipate that other cooler manufacturers will re-evaluate their product designs to identify and rectify potential safety hazards. This proactive approach not only safeguards consumers but also helps companies avoid the financial and reputational repercussions associated with large-scale recalls.

Defective Product Claims in Illinois

Consumers injured by defective products in Illinois may have legal grounds to file a product liability claim. Under Illinois law, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held liable for injuries caused by defective or unreasonably dangerous products. There are three primary types of product liability claims:

1. Defective Design – If a product’s design is inherently dangerous, even when manufactured correctly, the manufacturer may be liable. In this case, Igloo’s handle design could be considered inherently dangerous due to the risk of fingertip injuries.
2. Manufacturing Defect – If a product is improperly manufactured, resulting in a defect that makes it more dangerous than intended, the manufacturer may be held responsible.
3. Failure to Warn (Marketing Defect) – If a manufacturer fails to provide adequate warnings or instructions about potential hazards, they can be held liable. If Igloo did not properly warn users of the risk associated with the handle before this recall, they could face legal consequences.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured by a Defective Product

If you have suffered an injury due to a defective product, such as the recalled Igloo coolers, follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention – Your health and safety come first. Even minor injuries should be documented by a medical professional.
2. Preserve Evidence – Keep the defective product, receipts, packaging, and any related documentation. Take photos of the injuries and the product defect.
3. Report the Incident – Notify the manufacturer and relevant authorities, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
4. Consult a Product Liability Attorney – An Illinois personal injury attorney experienced in product liability cases can help determine whether you have a valid claim and assist you in seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact the Illinois Product Liability Attorneys at John J. Malm & Associates

The recall of over one million Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers serves as a critical reminder of the importance of product safety and consumer vigilance. While the number of reported injuries is limited, the severity of these incidents necessitates immediate action from both consumers and the manufacturer. By adhering to recall guidelines and implementing robust safety measures, such incidents can be prevented in the future, ensuring the well-being of consumers and maintaining trust in reputable brands. For Illinois residents, understanding product liability laws and your rights as an owner of a recalled Igloo cooler is important.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Let John J. Malm & Associates help you navigate your product liability claim and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact our top-rated Illinois product liability lawyers today for a free consultation.