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My 2024 Toyota Tundra's Seat Broke Again While On The Way Home From Getting My Seat Fixed The First Time

A local 2024 Toyota Tundra owner shared his wild experience when his seat's plastic siding broke again after getting it fixed at the dealership 30 minutes ago.

Toyota Tundra owners love their trucks for their power, reliability, and off-road prowess. However, a peculiar issue has left some 2022+ Tundra owners scratching their heads and making repeated trips to the dealership. Aaron Dougherty recently shared his experience in the “2022+ Toyota Tundra Owners” Facebook group, sparking a heated discussion among members. His dilemma? The plastic siding on the driver's seat of his brand-new Tundra cracked, got replaced at the dealership, and then broke again within 30 minutes on his drive home. If that’s not frustrating, I don’t know what is.

Why Does the Plastic Siding Keep Cracking?

The plastic siding on the new Toyota Tundra’s driver’s seat appears to have a design flaw. While manufacturers aim to strike a balance between durability, weight, and cost, this component seems to lean too heavily toward cost-saving measures. The plastic used for the seat trim may lack the necessary structural integrity to withstand repeated stress from everyday use, particularly when drivers exit the vehicle.

Matt, another Tundra owner, nailed it when he explained the issue: “It’s not a getting-in problem. It’s getting out. You’re sitting on the edge of the seat as you turn to step out on the ground or on the sidestep. One should have a procedure for getting in and out so that you won’t crack it. Yet again, it shouldn’t crack in the first place.”

The problem arises because, for many drivers, exiting the vehicle involves placing pressure on the edge of the seat. Over time, or in some cases, a very short time this strain is too much for the plastic to handle.

My 2024 Toyota Tundra’s Seat Broke Again While on The Way Home From Getting My Seat Fixed The First TimeA Recurring Nightmare for Tundra Owners

Aaron isn’t alone in his frustration. His post received dozens of comments from fellow Tundra owners, many of whom have had the exact same issue. Ryan shared his ordeal: “Same issue with mine. Made it about a week after replacement. Getting in is not the problem, it’s getting out even with the step.”

This recurring problem is not only inconvenient but also raises questions about quality control and customer satisfaction. Imagine taking time out of your day to get a component replaced, only to find yourself back at the dealership within days, or even hours.

William’s experience was perhaps the most shocking: “I’ve had mine replaced over five times. Every time I go in for Toyota care and oil changes, I get a new one. The last one lasted about 30 minutes as well. I’m not a big guy; I weigh 180 pounds. My wife broke the last one. She weighs 140 lbs. The service guy pretty much assumes to have a new set ready every time I come in. Wish I could lemon law the truck over it at this point.”

If replacing the seat trim has become standard practice for dealerships, it’s clear that Toyota needs to reevaluate the materials or design of this component.

What Can Be Done to Fix This?

While Toyota hasn’t officially addressed the issue, some owners are exploring their own solutions. Reinforcing the plastic with aftermarket parts or adjusting how they enter and exit their vehicles are common suggestions. However, as Matt pointed out, these steps shouldn’t be necessary for a truck of this caliber. A long-term fix will likely require Toyota to redesign the seat trim or use more durable materials.

Is This a Dealbreaker?

For some owners, this issue is a minor inconvenience overshadowed by the Tundra’s many strengths. For others, like William, it’s a major source of frustration that makes them question their purchase. One thing is certain: Toyota’s reputation for quality and durability is taking a hit among those affected by this flaw.

Over to You

Have you experienced issues with the plastic siding on your Toyota Tundra’s driver’s seat? What solutions have worked for you? If you’re considering a new truck, does this issue change your perception of the 2022+ Tundra? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun for daily Toyota, Tesla, and other car brand news.

Comments

Spin Fish (not verified)    January 15, 2025 - 10:32AM

There shouldn’t be a “Procedure” for getting out, that’s ludicrous! It should’ve been designed and built properly the FIRST TIME! Seats should be Strong for all the fat asses getting in and out... There is no defense for all the Failures in the New Toyota Tundras. I don’t feel bad at all for the Suckers that spent $60-$80k+ for these defective Plastic trucks, there were many short cuts and obvious signs this new platform wasn't that good.

Kalvin Clim (not verified)    January 18, 2025 - 11:35PM

Yes, I also had this happen with my new 2023 Tundra . The plastic suddenly had large cracks around the control knobs . I contacted the dealer and they recognized the problem immediately. They ordered the new piece and I have had no problem ever since !

Jim Marshall (not verified)    January 21, 2025 - 7:26PM

My seat has same problem - broke 3 times. Also, engine blew at 14K and it took 3.5 months for Toyota to fix it.
Its a 2023 Tundra Platinum. A few other recall issues. I can assure you I will never buy another Toyota !!!

Big (not verified)    January 21, 2025 - 7:48PM

Our Tundra's seat plastic broke as well. Withing a couple thousand miles. They delivered the truck with recalls pending about 8 months later than they promised and had to take it back the same day. I asked to not deliver it if it had ANY recalls. The dealer also ruined the clear coat on the roof with a polisher trying to remove the glue from the protective wrap. It's a black truck and the dealer should know better. I've never spent so much money and been so disappointed. The toyota dealer blamed the seat plastic breaking on my wife for how she gets in and out. She has the sound package and when you simply lower the seat you can hear it pop as it has interference from a lack of clearance and bad design. We payed big money for Toyota quality and peace of mind and now we have a truck worth half of what is should as the motor needs to be swapped as well. Let's just leave the intercoolers open to rock and road debris too!
When I bought my 2007 Tundra I formed screen material and attached it in front of my radiator and condenser. It looks like I have to take her front clip off to do such a thing on her 2023. The 2023 has so much wind noise I'm always looking to see what window is down. That's pretty bad considering the truck I drive the most is my 2007 on 37" tires and I find it quieter in cab the the 2023. I would say too that the ttv6 does not get any better gas mileage around town then the 5.7. get out on the highway and you'll see the mpg. Btw I wanted to go to Idaho to buy the truck originally and the dealer said they wouldn't sell to me because I don't live in their state..but they were advertising the truck for sale nationwide. We bought the truck at the dealership in Missoula and they have done nothing right. I will build one of my old Chevy trucks before I ever buy another Toyota. Done. Toyota quality? Doesn't exist, peace of mind for my wife and son driving in the middle of winter in Montana? Doesn't exist. The motor could fail at any time. Sickening to me.

Ben (not verified)    January 22, 2025 - 9:38AM

I drive the tundra 2022 had the same issue they replaced once they said don’t break it again because you have to pay. I’m very happy for the engine just replace it completely brand new engine, but I want to share with you guys my brakes squeaking anybody have this issue Toyota said they will replace for free but waiting for the parts which they order since August 2024.

Craig (not verified)    January 22, 2025 - 6:41PM

I have had the same problem on a 2014 tundra I bought new I would have not expected it to steal be a problem so many years later the dealer replaced it for me after about 20k it broke again just after the Warranty was up I plan to some day reinforce it with jb weld

Robert (not verified)    January 23, 2025 - 12:08PM

I’ve had this same problem and was told by the dealer it was NOT a manufacturers issue and I would be responsible for replacing the piece for $200. I was also told the piece was on back order, I ordered it, and I’ve never been notified about the part being in stock. My service advisor acted as if I was the first person to bring this to his attention. The entire piece is broken and barely hanging on.