The combination of boney elbows and putting too much pressure on my driver's door armrest has caused me to break the plastic under the thin fabric. It is cracked lengthwise and perpendicular to the original break, as well. Any thoughts? Thanks!
Get a clean, salvaged armrest either in your color or cover the new one (and the passenger armrest in leather. Call Steve at Plug In Hybrid Electric Vehicle PHEV for one. He has reasonable prices on salvaged Prius parts. JeffD
Is yours gray or beige? I have both in stock and can UPS it to you. PM me or call me for more details. Eric Adopt A Part 800-508-2211
I had a cracked armrest on my 09 Prius from me lifting my butt around due to the awful stock seat. Cracked by my elbow. I agree it is very flexible, thin plastic. Another example of the less than stellar interior design of gen2. Last Summer, went to Hayward Toyota. Service advisor asked, how many miles, what year ..... no problem, we'll replace the whole panel under warranty, no cost to you. Week or so later, part came in, they needed it for 2 days because the tech actually cracked the first panel around the speaker area. I picked it up on a Friday and it was, and is perfect.
Sorry, I don't have a digital camera - but there's not much to see - a slight indentation under the cloth of my driver's door armrest, actually contours to my elbow just a bit - But thank you for your concern!
I was told by the dealer that the armrest is molded into the whole door panel, which is a $900 part - it's not a matter of being able to replace armrest only!
Mine is gray - but I don't understand what you are offering, because I was told by the dealer that the armrest is molded into the door panel so the whole door panel has to be replaced - a $900 part!
Thanks for your story - you have inspired me to attempt to get a warranty repair - I'm way past the 36K mi part of my warranty, but I bought a comprehensive extended warranty with the car, and by george, I think I'll make use of it. Thanks!
Don't just believe your dealer - "trust but verify". Call Steve at AutoBeYours. Note that Eric who sells Prius parts said that he can supply one to you as well. Any decent gas station mechanic can install the replacement for you. JeffD
It is an easy fix. Get a quarter inch screw and screw it into the plastic. I have the leather armrest cover installed. I ripped it off and screwed it back it. No problem so far.
I really appreciate the concern and good information - also, I found a great pictorial post on swapping out the cloth armrest cover with vinyl or leather, so it gave explicit detail on disassembling the door panel for armrest removal, but doggonit, I'm just not that adventuresome any more - I think I'm going to play the extended warranty card! I've got to call for pre-authorization & etc, etc, etc. I'll let you know how that turns out.
