How does the Yeti Tundra 45 keep leaking after just 2 hours of use?

During my latest weekend at Pine Ridge State Park I set up a Yeti Tundra 45 on the 4‑by‑7‑foot patio with a small grill and a handful of sandwiches for the kids.

We left the cooler for the first time after an early breakfast around 8 am. By 10 am the seal of the Tundra had already given up on the 12‑inch seam, and a trickle of ice‑packed water was pooling at the bottom of the side wall. The cooler was advertised as “14‑hour, no‑leak” at 50°F, so I was stunned.

I pulled the cooler out, photographed the leak spot, and compared it to the 1‑inch sealed seam that Yeti markets in their brochures. The seam appeared warped and the rubber gasket was missing a quarter of its circumference. I tried pressing the seam back together, but the seal stayed weak.

Yeti’s support asked for a video, and I sent the 30‑second clip I took with my phone (attached in my comments). I also recorded the temperature (47°F) and the time (2 h 15 m of active use). I was expecting a quick refund or at least a replacement, but I still haven’t heard back from them.

Does anyone else have the same issue? I’ve noticed a similar leak in a Yeti Tundra 35 that I bought last year. If it’s a batch problem, I’d like to know how many people are stuck with leaking coolers before we can call it a design flaw.

P.S. If anyone has a recommendation for a 45‑quart cooler that actually keeps the seal intact, share it. I’m ready to ditch Yeti if it keeps leaking every trip.