Bissell Steam Cleaner Burn Lawsuit Alleges Defective Safety Cap Caused Injuries

Lawsuit alleges manufacturer continued selling its steam cleaners without adequately warning consumers about the risk of burn injuries.

A Puerto Rico woman has filed a product liability lawsuit against Bissell and Amazon, alleging she suffered burns when a handheld steam cleaner unexpectedly expelled scalding water and steam as she attempted to open its safety cap.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Chaya M. Kaye in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico on October 27, naming Bissell Homecare Inc., Amazon.com Services LLC and Amazon.com Inc. as defendants.

The lawsuit alleges that Amazon’s involvement in advertising, selling, storing and delivering Bissell steam cleaner products makes it part of the distribution chain and potentially liable for injuries or property damage caused by defects in the devices.

Steam Cleaner Dangers

Bissell steam cleaners are designed to remove dirt, grease and grime from household surfaces using heated water and pressurized steam. While these appliances are commonly used to clean countertops, grout and bathroom fixtures, defects that allow hot water or steam to escape unexpectedly can expose users to serious burn injuries.

Concerns about these risks have led to multiple recalls involving millions of Bissell steam cleaners, following hundreds of reports of hot water and steam escaping from the devices during use.

In 2024, approximately 3.2 million Bissell steam cleaners were recalled after consumers reported that the devices could spray or leak hot water and steam, resulting in more than 150 reported burn injuries.

Despite the earlier recall, similar safety concerns continued to emerge. In April 2026, Bissell recalled another 1.7 million steam cleaners following at least 200 reports of unexpected hot water or steam being released from the appliances, including more than 160 reports of burn injuries.

The recurring problems have also raised questions about when Bissell became aware of the alleged defects and whether the company took adequate steps to protect consumers.

A Bissell steam cleaner class action lawsuit filed in October 2026 alleges that the manufacturer continued selling defective products despite knowing they posed a risk of burns. The complaint also claims Bissell delayed its initial recall, failed to provide an adequate remedy for affected consumers and concealed the full extent of the safety problems.

Bissell Steam Cleaner Burn Allegations

According to the latest complaint, Kaye purchased a new Bissell Steam Shot OmniReach steam cleaner from Amazon on October 20, 2025.

Eight days later, the product allegedly failed to release pressure from its tank through the nozzle during use. Kaye claims the steam cleaner’s pressure indicator also failed to accurately warn her that pressure remained inside, leading her to believe it was safe to open the cap. When she attempted to do so, the device suddenly expelled scalding hot water and steam onto her right hand, causing burns that required emergency medical treatment.

Kaye indicates she was treated at Ashford Hospital in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where doctors diagnosed a burn to her right hand and administered medications. She was also prescribed burn cream and pain medication, but claims she continued experiencing pain after the incident, requiring additional medical treatment.

Following the incident, Kaye returned the steam cleaner to Amazon, which accepted the return and issued a refund. The complaint indicates Amazon has retained possession of the allegedly defective device since November 2025.

The steam cleaner was among the models affected by an April 9, 2026, Bissell recall involving attachments that could unexpectedly detach and release hot water or steam. However, Kaye’s lawsuit raises separate allegations that the device’s safety cap could be opened while the tank remained pressurized.

She indicates the steam cleaner lacked a mechanism to prevent the safety cap from being opened in those instances. Instead, the device allegedly relied on users to avoid opening the cap under pressure.

“Any warnings and instructions that accompanied the Product were inadequate to warn of the risk that the tank could retain pressure and expel scalding water when the safety cap was opened.”

— Chaya M. Kaye v. Bissell Homecare Inc. et al.

The lawsuit raises allegations of product liability and negligence. It seeks damages for physical injuries, mental anguish and emotional suffering, medical expenses, attorney fees, pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, and any other relief the court deems just and proper.

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