Igloo Class Action Lawsuit: Coolers Have Dangerous Tow Handles That Cause Injuries

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Igloo coolers have defective tow handles that can cause finger injuries, and the company failed to adequately address the issue with its recall.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers manufactured before January 2024.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania

A new lawsuit alleges that Igloo sold defective rolling coolers with a hazardous tow handle that could pinch and seriously injure users' fingers—potentially even causing fingertip amputations.  

The Massachusetts resident that filed the proposed class action lawsuit said the company failed to warn consumers of the risk, even as other manufacturers produce similar products without such dangers.

The lawsuit comes after Igloo recalled six versions of its 90-quart Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers, sold from 2019 to early 2025 at major retailers including Costco, Target, and Amazon. The complaint argues that the recall does not fully compensate customers who unknowingly purchased a hazardous product.

Igloo Coolers Have Defective Tow Handles, Lawsuit Claims

Plaintiff Kathryn Trainor says that she purchased an Igloo cooler unaware of its risks, only to experience multiple painful pinches from the handle while carrying it. She claims the defect makes the cooler unsafe for its intended purpose and that Igloo misrepresented its safety in marketing and product labeling.

According to the lawsuit, Trainor and other consumers would not have bought the product—or would have paid significantly less—had they known about the risk of fingertip injuries. 

Consumers Allege Igloo Failed to Disclose Safety Risk and Issue Adequate Recall

Although Igloo issued a recall for the defective coolers, Trainor argues that it does not go far enough in addressing the harm suffered by consumers. The recall offers free repairs, replacements, or refunds, but Trainor claims this does not account for the full extent of damages, including loss of use and product devaluation.

Furthermore, the lawsuit accuses Igloo of misleading consumers by failing to disclose the danger on product packaging or in advertisements. Had the company been transparent, Trainor argues, customers could have made informed decisions before purchasing the cooler.

Other Companies Face Lawsuits Over Product Defects

This isn’t the only legal action Igloo is currently facing, earlier this year the company was hit with a class action lawsuit accusing the company of misleading consumers with false and deceptive labeling on its popular line of coolers and bags. The lawsuit claims that Igloo falsely marketed several products as "biodegradable," made with "recycled content," and "Made in the USA," leading customers to believe the items were more eco-friendly and locally sourced than they actually were.

It is also far from the only company facing legal action over alleged product defects. LG Electronics is currently battling a lawsuit over stoves with front-mounted knobs that can accidentally turn on, leading to multiple fires and costly property damage. Similarly, Crocs has been sued over claims that its signature foam footwear shrinks and warps when exposed to heat, despite being marketed for outdoor use.

Even refrigerators aren’t safe from controversy—one Texas consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against Kenmore, alleging that its compressors fail prematurely, leaving buyers with costly repairs and spoiled groceries.

In her class action lawsuit against Igloo, Trainor wants to represent anyone in the US who bought a recalled Igloo 90 Qt. Flip & Tow Rolling Cooler manufactured prior to January 2024. She is suing for violations of the Consumer Protection Law and is seeking damages, injunctive relief, restitution, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Trainor v. Igloo Products Corp.
• Case Number: 2:25-cv-00941 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Stuart A. Carpey (Carpey Law, P.C.)

Have you purchased an Igloo Flip & Tow Rolling cooler? Share your experience and thoughts on this lawsuit in the comments below.