AOWOS 12-Drawer Dressers Sold on Walmart.com Recalled Nationwide for Deadly Tip-Over Risks

A new recall alert has been issued for furniture sold on Walmart.com, after the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warned that certain AOWOS 12-drawer dressers pose a serious risk of injury or death to children.

Newsweek.com has reported that on October 16, 2025, Hong Lu, doing business as AOWOS, recalled roughly 700 dressers sold through Walmart’s online marketplace. The CPSC stated that these dressers fail to comply with the mandatory federal stability standard required under the STURDY Act, a law passed to prevent fatal tip-over incidents involving clothing storage units.

The recalled dressers were available in black, brown, gray, oak, pink, and white finishes and feature a metal frame, wooden top, and 12 collapsible fabric drawers, as well as four side pockets and two hooks. Each unit weighs around 42 pounds and measures 39 inches by 12 inches by 44.5 inches.

Although no injuries have been reported, the CPSC emphasizes that the dressers are dangerously unstable if not anchored to the wall, posing tip-over and entrapment hazards that could lead to serious injuries or death, especially to small children.

The STURDY Act: A Major Step Toward Preventing Furniture Tip-Overs

The STURDY Act (Stop Tip-Overs of Unstable, Risky Dressers on Youth Act) went into effect in September 2023, establishing a long-overdue safety standard for dressers and other clothing storage units.

For years, parents and consumer advocates have pushed for stronger rules to protect children from furniture tip-over deaths. “From January 1, 2013 through July 31, 2023, there were 217 reported fatalities involving tip-overs of furniture, televisions and appliances. Of the reported fatalities, 55 percent involved children between 1 and 3 years old”

The STURDY Act requires manufacturers to test furniture under real-world conditions, including interactions that mimic how children might climb, pull, or open drawers. Any unit that fails to meet the new standard cannot be sold in the United States.

The AOWOS recall demonstrates how online marketplaces such as Walmart.com and Amazon have become a new frontier in consumer safety enforcement. Many third-party sellers, especially overseas manufacturers, have been slow to comply with new U.S. safety laws.

Walmart’s Role and the Challenges of Online Recalls

Walmart, like Amazon, has faced increasing scrutiny over recalled or unsafe products being sold through its online platform by third-party vendors. Although these companies often claim they merely “host” the listings, both retailers and sellers share responsibility when a dangerous product is marketed to U.S. consumers.

The CPSC has repeatedly warned that federal law prohibits the sale of recalled products, even by online sellers. Once a recall is issued, both the retailer and the manufacturer must take immediate steps to remove listings, notify customers, and issue refunds or disposal instructions.

In this case, consumers are advised to stop using the recalled AOWOS dressers immediately if they are not anchored to a wall, and to place them out of reach of children. To receive a full refund, owners must contact AOWOS via AOWOSRecall@outlook.com and submit a photo showing proof of disposal.

Unsafe Dressers Continue to Pose Hidden Dangers

Even though no incidents have yet been reported with the AOWOS model, this recall is part of a disturbing trend. In recent months, multiple brands — including WLIVE, IKEA, and other furniture makers — have recalled products for failing to meet the same safety standards.

These recalls show that unsafe furniture remains a persistent hazard, particularly for families with young children. Unanchored dressers can easily topple over if a child climbs onto a drawer or tries to reach for an item on top. The result can be fatal crushing or entrapment injuries.

The CPSC’s acting chairman, Peter Feldman, stated:

“CPSC has made great strides in the past 10 years to minimize these hazards and save lives. I am grateful for the work of our dedicated staff, safety advocates, and the American furniture industry, without whose collaboration none of this would be possible.”

KBD Attorneys: Holding Companies Accountable for Unsafe Products

At Ketterer, Browne & Davani (KBD) Attorneys, we believe families should never have to question the safety of the products they bring into their homes. When manufacturers or online retailers violate safety laws or fail to warn consumers, the consequences can be devastating — especially for children.

Our team has represented victims of defective and recalled products, including furniture, electronics, and children’s items sold online through major retailers like Walmart and Amazon. We also monitor recalls issued by the CPSC and FDA, keeping the public informed about dangerous products that could harm consumers.

If you or your child were injured by a tipping dresser or other unsafe furniture, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact KBD Attorneys today to learn how we can help you seek justice and hold negligent companies accountable.