The "Cracked Seat Panel" MEGA Thread

I’ve read of a few people who had their passenger side crack. It’s pretty rare, but that seat gets way less use than the driver so it makes sense.

 

It's prob best if we just leave the passenger side out of the discussion. After all, it's likely not in our best interests if we mention to our wives how the seat panel could potentially crack if those who weigh a bit more put pressure on it getting in and out.

 

I just noticed my passenger seat is starting to crack. I'm on my third drivers seat panel now as well.

 

I wonder how many of these seat panels Toyota is going to replace before they finally design the part right?

Maybe they're too busy building new engines.

 

My has a 5" long crack. Looks like a light scratch so I don't care. If it breaks through or if a permanent fix becomes available, i'll deal with it.
Has anyone ever tried filling it with some sort of resin?

 

@raylo did something like that
https://www.tundras.com/threads/the-cracked-seat-panel-mega-thread.113252/page-15#post-3711222

 

I'm in this line now. My panel has gotten worse now. It is my work truck so I'm in and out more then just a drive to work and home. There seems to be some kind of back support on the panel that could help it not crack.

 

My truck just turned 2 years old. I just made my appointment for service and told them I have my 3rd crack now and they called me and said most likely Toyota is going to decline this as warranty service this time because it’s the 3rd time and theyll say that means it’s user error. Are you kidding me?! The last time they said they fixed the part. Yes it lasted longer, but it still happened again. This time was much further down. The first two were higher up top.
I bought the extended warranty to I would be “safe” for 10 years. There is no way in hell I should be paying for this myself. The guy tried telling me how to slide out while holding the handle and using the step. I paid $80,000 for a truck and I have to retrain myself to get in and out? - I have been so cool to these guys and haven’t even complained. I wait until my 6 month service every time to even say anything. Even when it cracks again 6 weeks after service.
Does anyone know who I should contact to get this handled since my local shop is saying no?

 

ZIP ties work good... but not a permanent fix. Can songwriting post a link to order new... not sure who to order from. x.

 

I have mine in for the engine recall and my panel cracked while in for service and I’m being told it’s at my $500 cost. How’s that for top notch service?

 

I have my 3rd crack now and they called me and said most likely Toyota is going to decline this as warranty service this time because it’s the 3rd time and theyll say that means it’s user error.

Lmao they are hoping you are stupid enough to buy that bs.

 

Just got my truck back from service at the dealer. They declined to cover it under my pre-owned warranty and said it would be ~$450 to fix. I declined service of course.

I'm thinking about just ordering the part myself and doing it. It looks like it's about $120 online. Has anyone created a how-to on replacing it? I may have missed it somewhere if so.

Also has anyone tried reinforcing the panel? My initial thought is adding a jb weld/fiberglass layer to the backside of the panel before putting the new one on.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4bHvgYOClw
I have seen on Youtube where some have done fiberglass to the inside panel but don't know how it worked out. The panels are simply not built heavy enough for sliding out of the seat and the overlap bolster doesn't appear to help either.
Only time will tell but I practice pulling myself up out of the seat with the grab handle when getting out and using the handle again when i go to get in. So far so good. Shouldn't have to do that but it is what it is.

 

I had #3 put on today LOL…

 

Don't get me wrong. Over the last 30yrs I have been happy with my Toyota's and so far I have not had a cracked seat panel thankfully but as we all know there are many who have and for Toyota to tell some this is not covered isn't right. It seems to be an obvious problem.
Now the Rant to Toyota. If your not going to cover this or redesign it to stand up you could at least sell them in a 3 or 6 pack at a reduced price. That way when one breaks all the owner has to do is pull another one out of the box. kinda of like changing a light bulb.

 

I'm on my 3rd in my Sequoia.
49k miles.

I use my A pillar grab handle on my Tundra

 

A plastic welder could maybe fix it up? Just thinking out loud here....

 

Based on how they are treating these now, it makes me wonder if they are close to rolling out an actual solution and are trying to limit the faulty replacements done in the meantime.
Wishful thinking?

I had a similar experience with a sunroof part in my old f150. They were just trying to save money and time on replacing faulty with faulty.

 

I had this on my 2022 SR5. The dealership replaced it without questions.

 

Only crack in my seat is my butt, a mini crack due to noassatall syndrome. You'd think this would be addressed already.

 

Just got my third dealer replacement panel. So fourth panel for my 23 Tundra. It broke the second day I drove it! This time it was due to improper installation. Usually they last several months before cracking. The bottom center mount was resting on top of the little round bar it's supposed to clip to. I just JB welded panel bracket and crack. I'm going to experiment with a simple mod first. My theory is that the side seat bolster flexes when exiting and pushes down on the side panel, breaking it. If it works, and doesn't crack again in six months, I 'll buy a new panel myself. My mod is designed to support the side hip bolster. So even if i slide off the seat. The side bolster never flexes enough to touches the plastic panel.

 

Waiting to hear how this works for you! Many will want to know how to fix!!! I have replaced my driver side twice and the passenger side once (all covered by Toyota).