Looks suspicious?

So I am looking to purchase a 2016 Platinum with 80k miles. Seems to bee in great shape. However the driver seat side panel which I assume covers an airbag has a weird zip tie on it. Thee dealer told me that the 2016 commonly had trouble with that panel and if I would get one off ebay they would install it. But thee more I think about it I am wondering if this would indicate the airbag had been deployed. Any thoughts?

 

Seen some posts on here about people who have had that panel fall off.

 

Not so much; most airbag deployments will show up on a car history report. That piece did have a few years where they were problematic, but they'll also snap if someone slides off the seat and down onto that plastic part repeatedly as they are getting out of the truck (basically being lazy about sliding out of the seat to their feet instead of stepping out of the truck if that makes sense).

The part is held on by a combo of plastic and metal clips/pieces, so you'll want to take a peek at the attachment points and see where it failed to make sure you're getting what you need in parts. Pay attention to the right side (as depicted in the orientation of the photo), as there is also some pieces that will snap off in the area where the seat bottom ties to the seat back. Just tell the dealer that you want to snip the zip-tie to verify what's actually damaged and then look under the front of the seat at the clips that secure that part that point down to the floor during your inspection.

Bottom line is I wouldn't allow it to be a deal breaker if everything else about the truck is right for you

 

Based on who I see on that dealer tag in the photo, I wouldn’t be surprised if they zip tied it themselves.

 

The clips that hold that piece on are very weak and brittle. Most people break them when installing seat covers trying to tuck the edge down in that crevice

Probably an expensive part so I'd price it before you make a decision

 

With 80k, I suspect that the leather on the lower seat has been replaced recently. Would expect to see wear and tear on the leather with that mileage, and it’s not there. As a result, the clips broke due to impatience is my guess. If that’s all that is wrong with the truck, I wouldn’t worry about it. The plastic piece can be replaced with ease.

 

Airbag is in the seatback I believe, not the seat bottom. Sliding out of the truck puts pressure on that piece and the plastic clips behind it break as others have mentioned. Order a new panel and replace if you like the rest of the truck. The one in my FGT is like that also. The new 3rd gens have issues already with this piece breaking.

 

Maybe clip those zip ties off and put some glue or double stick tape on the metal bar.

 

You could try these....


4/5" 100 Pack Zip Tie Mount With Cable Ties,Self Adhesive-backed Mounts For Wire Holder , Black Cable Management Clips Wall Anchors

$10 HUASAI 4/5" 100 Pack Zip Tie Mount With Cable Ties,Self Adhesive-backed Mounts for Wire Holder, Black Cable Management Clips Wall Anchors

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z79LHJC



50 Pieces Cable Management Desk Wire Organizer Cable Ties Zip Ties Adhesive Cord Clips Cord Keeper Desk Wire Management

$11 50 Pieces Cable Management Desk Wire Organizer Cable Ties Zip Ties Adhesive Cord Clips Cord Keeper Desk Wire Management

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075Y9J42T



Just cut off the excess.

 

Wouldn't worry about that. Work a deal out if you can for them to replace it and go for it! Most likely retaining clips or panel itself is just damaged from previous owner or people test driving and getting in and out of the seat and just dragging themselves in/out across the seat bolster and down onto the seat side panel trim causing damage, especially if there's no running board/side steps along with no driver side A-Pillar grab handle mod on the truck to help getting in/out.

 

The airbags come out of the seat bolsters, they literally split the seat covers at the seams and blow the foam apart and all over the cabin.

Looks like that panel broke and someone patched it back with zip ties to me.

 

I would have the dealer replace it as part of the deal.

 

That's exactly what I thought. Someone changed the seat cover and busted some tabs.

 

Common problem with that panel, someone just did a shoddy repair. There are whole threads about it on here with some really nice repair jobs.
Use it as leverage to get the best deal

 

I would hate to get snagged by that sharp ziptie.

My 2018 passenger side has this problem. Seems like a common issues.

 

Thanks all... bought the truck and love it... dealer offered to install if I find part on ebay but just gonna live with it. I drive my Tundras til wheels fall off or in case of my 2006DC the frame rusts out and completely cracked both sides just ahead of rear. This after I drove it 14 years.

 

Congrats on getting the Platinum!

 

Treat yourself and replace the part.
No need to have that shabby look for your new to you truck.

If you have ventilated seats, and I think you might, this is the part.
Google search the part #, you might find it cheaper.

71812-0C222-C0 - Seat Back Recliner Adjustment Mechanism Cover (Left, Front) - 2014-2020 Toyota Tundra | Sparks Parts

If no ventilation, it is this one.

71812-0C212-C0 - Seat Back Recliner Adjustment Mechanism Cover (Left, Front) - 2014-2020 Toyota Tundra | Sparks Parts

The plastic clip on the inside breaks, it snaps to the frame piece you can see in your pic.
There is also a screw that attaches that metal frame piece to the trim piece, it goes in from the inside under the seat.
It breaks from the weight of the driver on and off that trim piece over the years.
You can see the crease in your part at the rear because of the flexing.
Replacing the part fixes it.

I've also had the screws snap off the frame on that metal piece in your pic, but I don't think that is your issue unless that part is loose.

Post #4 in this thread has videos showing you how to get that trim piece on and off.
The videos start at the needed time, you don't have to watch the entire thing.
The thread is about the screws snapping, but the videos show the removal of the trim piece.

Mystery bracket | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

It might make it easier to remove the seat bolts and lean it back, but you don't need to take the seat out of the truck..
Good luck..