2022 AC Leak Pointing at Seal Failures

Anyone had or heard about recurring issues with compressor and/or condenser seals failing and leading to refrigerant leaking? I've got a '22 TRD Sport and in Ontario (Canada). I fired up the AC on the first hot summer day and got the dreaded hot air punishment. I'm just outside of warranty (85000 km) so dropped it by the local Canadian Tire shop and they couldn't pressurize the system pointing at leaks to where the lines come into the condenser. They spoke to the local dealership (who's never serviced my taco) who commented that the ac "seals are a common Toyota failure point" and thus I was quoted $1400+ to replace seals, pressurize, test... then hopefully determine it's not also anything else like the condenser.

I called corporate who denied the assertion the seal failure is a common Toyota problem, so I was declined any warranty support over the phone.

Anyone else experience this issue? Is it happening a lot? Might there be a recall if it is a known recurring issue?

Lastly, I'm considering undertaking the seal replacement myself, then driving it over to the local shop for freon and pressure testing to save a grand. Any suggestions if this is a trickier job than I am figuring it'd be... since it seems 3 dried out and leaking seals is potentially the underlying issue?

 

Keep in mind that the a/c system most probably is still under pressure.
3 seals ? I would get them from a dealership, that way you know they are sized correctly
Also, get the Pag (refrigerant oil ) that is compatible with your refrigerant. You need to lubricate the seals, be generous so they will be slippery, and that is important.

 

I've been at Toyota for many many years and have never seen the lines leak at the compressor.

90% of AC leaks are rock holes in condensers. 5% are the dreaded evaporators. The other 5 are lines and the compressor itself. Very rare.

Canadian tire techs typically are wash outs that can't cut it elsewhere. I haven't worked with one that isn't shady.

Do you have extended warranty? Most AC issues are 3year 60,000km.

 

No extended warranty... I'm at 83,000km and just outside the 3 year mark. It was the local Toyota dealership, called by CTC, which told the CTC tech that the seals drying out and leaking is a common problem... but if you've never heard of or seen that as a common a/c failure point... good to know. The system was empty of refrigerant and the tech comment was "no visible signs of major leaks however signs of lsight leak at condenser where lines come in. Common toyota failure for seals. dealer suggest start by remove and inspect, may only require sesals on condenser and compressor line joints."

 

Thanks. replacing them was quoted at 4.5h, then 1.8 for the ac evac & recharge. I'd most definitely get them from the dealership if I go it on my own.