What was recalled
In October 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving Herman Miller’s Eames-branded molded fiberglass armchair rockers. This action was taken to address a serious safety defect that could cause the chair to become unstable during use. The specific items affected are the rockers designed to hold the iconic molded fiberglass seats, which were marketed with model numbers beginning with the prefix "RFAR." It is important to note that this recall covers the rocker base component itself, rather than just the seat shell, although the two are sold and used together as a single functional unit.
The scope of this recall is defined by both the product specifications and the manufacturing dates. The affected rockers were manufactured between May 1, 2013, and September 8, 2017. Because these chairs have been in production for several years and are popular in both residential and office settings, a significant number of units may be in circulation. While the exact total number of units sold is not specified in the official record, the wide range of manufacturing dates suggests that many consumers who purchased Herman Miller furniture during this four-year window may be affected.
The recalled rockers were sold in a variety of configurations to suit different aesthetic preferences. They were available with multiple shell colors and frame finishes. Consumers could purchase them with or without upholstery. For those interested in identifying their specific model, the dimensions are helpful reference points: upholstered rockers measure approximately 25.25 by 25.5 by 27 inches, while non-upholstered versions measure about 25 by 25.5 by 27 inches. The Herman Miller logo, the Eames Office logo, and the Eames signature are all molded directly into the underside of the seat, serving as clear brand identifiers.
To determine if your specific chair is part of this recall, you must look for a label located on the underside of the seat. This label contains two critical pieces of information: the model number and the manufacture date. The model number will start with "RFAR," and the date will be printed in MM/DD/YYYY format. If your chair falls within the specified manufacturing window and has an RFAR model number, it is included in this recall. These items were sold through Herman Miller’s direct channels and authorized retailers nationwide.
If you have one of these rockers, please read the next section to understand exactly what can go wrong with the product.
The hazard, explained
When you sit in a rocking chair, your body weight and the momentum of the rock create a complex set of forces that are constantly shifting. With standard furniture, these forces are managed by robust joints designed to flex slightly or remain rigidly stable. However, in this specific recall involving Herman Miller’s Eames-branded molded fiberglass armchair rockers, that structural integrity fails. The core issue is not merely about the chair being uncomfortable; it is about a critical mechanical separation. The rocker base—the curved runners that allow the chair to move—is designed to attach directly to the underside of the seat shell. In the recalled units, this connection point can fail, causing the entire base to detach from the seat while you are sitting in it.
Why does this happen? While the exact engineering root cause is determined by the manufacturer’s internal investigation, the physical result is clear: the structural bond between the fiberglass shell and the metal or plastic rocker arms gives way. Because these chairs rely on a single point of connection at the bottom of the seat to support your entire weight, that separation is catastrophic. One moment you are seated securely; in the next, the foundation disappears beneath you. This is not a gradual wobble or a loose screw that might annoy you over time. It is an abrupt loss of support. The fiberglass shell, which is heavy and molded into a specific shape, remains attached to your body as you fall, while the rocker base is left behind on the floor.
The injury mechanism here is straightforward but dangerous. When the base separates, there is no time to react or brace yourself. You drop vertically onto the floor, often with significant force given your body weight plus the weight of the chair shell still attached to you. This sudden impact can result in bruises, cuts from sharp edges on the fiberglass or metal components, and more serious orthopedic injuries depending on how you land. The fact that consumers have already suffered bumps and cuts underscores that this is not a theoretical risk. The hazard is immediate and physical: the chair literally falls apart under load, turning a piece of furniture into a trap. If you are elderly, have balance issues, or are simply caught off guard by the sudden movement, the risk of fracture or head injury increases significantly. This is why stopping use immediately is not just a recommendation for comfort—it is a critical safety intervention.
Who is most at risk
The Herman Miller Eames-branded fiberglass rocking chairs are not just pieces of furniture; they are often centerpiece items in living rooms, home offices, and reading nooks. Because these chairs are designed for comfort and aesthetic appeal, they are frequently used for extended periods. The primary group at risk includes anyone who owns or regularly uses the specific recalled models—those with model numbers beginning with RFAR manufactured between May 1, 2013, and September 8, 2017. However, the nature of the hazard creates a dynamic risk profile that extends beyond simple ownership. The danger lies in the sudden, unexpected separation of the rocker base from the seat. This means that anyone seated in the chair, regardless of their age or physical condition, is at immediate risk of being thrown off balance when the structural failure occurs.
Certain demographics are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of this specific mechanical failure. Older adults, who may use these chairs for daily rest or mobility support, face a heightened risk of serious injury. When an elderly person falls from a seated position, the impact is often harder on the body due to decreased bone density and slower reflexes. The reported injuries in this recall, which include bumps and cuts, could easily escalate into fractures or head trauma for this group. Furthermore, individuals with balance issues or those who are recovering from surgery rely heavily on the stability of their seating. A sudden drop can disrupt their recovery process and lead to secondary accidents as they attempt to regain footing.
Children and younger family members also play a significant role in the risk equation. In many households, these stylish chairs are not used exclusively by adults. Children may climb into them, sit in them temporarily, or even stand on the rocker base out of curiosity. If a child is seated when the base separates, they lack the physical strength and coordination to brace themselves for the fall. Their smaller stature means that even a short drop can result in significant injury to their heads or limbs. Additionally, caregivers who might sit in these chairs while holding infants or small children are at double risk: they must manage the fall hazard while also ensuring the safety of the child in their lap.
The risk is further compounded by the psychological aspect of using a high-quality, expensive piece of furniture. Consumers tend to trust premium brands like Herman Miller and may not suspect that a structural failure could occur without warning. This false sense of security means users are less likely to adopt cautious behaviors, such as holding on tightly or avoiding rapid rocking motions. The hazard is insidious because it can happen during normal, gentle use. Therefore, the most at-risk individuals are those who have been using these chairs regularly for years, assuming they are safe, without realizing that the internal connection between the seat and the base has been degrading over time. Immediate action is crucial for all users, but especially for those in the home who rely on stability for their daily well-being.
How to tell if you have the recalled item
Identifying whether your Herman Miller rocking chair is part of this specific recall requires a careful look at both the physical design and the printed labels on the furniture itself. The product in question is one of Herman Miller’s Eames-branded molded fiberglass armchair rockers. These are distinct pieces of mid-century modern furniture known for their smooth, sculptural shells. If your chair has a shell made of molded fiberglass, it falls within the scope of this potential issue, but you must verify several specific details to confirm if it is actually one of the recalled units.
The most critical identifier is the model number. You need to locate the label printed on the underside of the seat. On this label, look for a model number that begins with the letters "RFAR." If your chair’s model number does not start with these specific characters, it is not part of this recall. Alongside the model number, you will find the manufacture date printed in a MM/DD/YYYY format on the same label. This recall covers units manufactured between May 1, 2013, and September 8, 2017. If your chair was made before May 1, 2013, or after September 8, 2017, it is safe from this specific defect.
You can also look for branding to help narrow down the identification. The underside of the seat should have the Herman Miller logo, the Eames Office logo, and the Eames signature logo molded directly into the fiberglass. These logos serve as a confirmation that you are dealing with an authentic Eames-branded piece, which is necessary before checking the model number.
While the chairs were sold in multiple shell colors and frame finishes, and may have been upholstered or non-upholstered, these visual characteristics do not determine recall status. However, knowing the approximate dimensions can help you confirm you have the right type of chair. The upholstered rockers measure about 25.25 by 25.5 by 27 inches, while the non-upholstered versions are approximately 25 by 25.5 by 27 inches. If your chair matches these general size profiles and has an RFAR model number within the specified date range, you should stop using it immediately and contact Herman Miller for a full refund.
What to do — step by step
If you suspect you have one of the recalled Herman Miller Eames-branded molded fiberglass armchair rockers, your immediate priority is to ensure the safety of everyone in your household. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Herman Miller have identified a serious structural defect where the rocker’s base can separate from the seat, creating an unpredictable fall hazard. Therefore, the very first and most critical step is to immediately stop using the chair entirely. Do not attempt to tighten bolts, apply adhesive, or make any DIY repairs yourself. The separation of the base is a fundamental failure of the product's integrity that cannot be safely fixed at home. Treat this chair as if it were broken glass: handle it with care only to move it out of active use, and keep children and pets away from it until you have successfully processed your return. Once the chair is no longer in use, you need to initiate the formal recall process with Herman Miller. The company has committed to a full refund remedy for all affected units, meaning they will cover the entire cost of returning the product. To begin this process, you should visit the official Herman Miller website at www.hermanmiller.com. Navigate to the bottom of the page and look for the link labeled "Recall Information." Clicking this link will direct you to the specific portal for this fiberglass rocker recall, where you can find instructions on how to proceed. Alternatively, if you prefer speaking with a representative directly, you may call their toll-free number at 866-866-3124. The support team is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. You can also reach them via email at recall_info@hermanmiller.com if you have specific questions about your order or need written confirmation of your return authorization. When you contact Herman Miller, be prepared to provide specific details to verify that your chair is part of this particular recall batch. As noted in the recall facts, the affected units were manufactured between May 1, 2013, and September 8, 2017. You will need to locate the label on the underside of the seat, which contains the manufacture date in MM/DD/YYYY format and the model number. Ensure that the model number begins with "RFAR," as this is the specific identifier for the recalled rockers. Providing this information accurately will help Herman Miller process your refund request efficiently. Once you have submitted your information through their online portal or over the phone, they will provide you with a prepaid shipping label and instructions on how to package the chair securely for return. Follow these packaging instructions carefully to prevent any damage during transit, although the primary concern remains the safety hazard posed by the defective rocker mechanism while it is still in your possession. By following these steps, you ensure that you are not only reimbursed for your purchase but also removing a potentially dangerous object from your home.Your refund, repair, or replacement options
When a product recall occurs, the most immediate concern for any consumer is naturally: "What do I do now?" and "How will I be made whole?" In this specific case involving Herman Miller’s Eames-branded molded fiberglass armchair rockers, the agency has established a clear and straightforward path to resolution. You are not expected to keep a potentially unsafe item, nor are you expected to pay for its removal or replacement. The remedy provided by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and executed by Herman Miller is a full refund upon return of the product. This means that your financial position will be restored to exactly where it was before the purchase, with no hidden costs or restocking fees attached to this process.
To initiate this remedy, you must reach out to Herman Miller directly. The company has set up dedicated channels specifically for this recall to ensure your inquiry is handled efficiently and by staff who understand the specifics of the fiberglass rocker issue. You have three convenient options for making contact: you can visit their official website at www.hermanmiller.com and navigate to the "Recall Information" section located at the bottom of the page; you can send an email directly to recall_info@hermanmiller.com; or you can call their toll-free number at 866-866-3124. If you choose to call, please note that these lines are staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. It is advisable to have your model number and the manufacture date ready before you make contact, as this will help expedite the verification process.
The terms of this remedy are simple: you return the recalled rocker, and Herman Miller provides a full refund free of cost. There is no offer of a repair kit or a direct replacement unit for this specific recall event. The decision to provide a refund rather than a repair is likely rooted in the nature of the hazard itself. Because the issue involves the structural integrity of the rocker’s base separating from the seat—a failure that compromises the fundamental safety of the chair—repairing it may not guarantee long-term reliability. A full refund allows you to remove the hazard from your home entirely and choose a different seating solution that meets your needs without risk.
While the recall notice does not specify the exact logistics of how the item should be shipped back (such as whether a prepaid label will be provided), the phrase "return the product free of cost" strongly implies that Herman Miller will cover all associated expenses. This includes the price of the chair itself and likely the shipping costs to send it back. Do not assume you need to pay for return shipping out of pocket; if you are asked to do so, contact customer support immediately to clarify the process. The goal is to make this as effortless as possible for you, removing both the physical risk of the chair and the financial burden of its removal.
If you encounter any difficulties during this process, such as missing labels or confusion about eligibility, remain calm and persistent. Use the contact information provided above. Herman Miller has a vested interest in resolving these cases correctly to ensure public safety and maintain trust. By following these steps, you not only protect yourself and your family from fall hazards but also ensure that you are treated fairly under the terms of this official recall.