My steering wheel has the nice stereo control buttons and display buttons. The left side, where volume control is, has bubbles under the rubber skin. The bubble popped, and now I have a big white circle where the bubble used to be. Geez... another thingy after warranty expired. I guess I'll cover it up with a pretty sticker.

 

This is a known issue and was fixed for the 2010 models.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...-controls.html

I'd go to the dealer and plead your case. IMO, it's a latent defect.

 

It's a shame the control pods that the 2010 models aren't interchangeble with the 07-09 models. I had a 2010 as a loaner and really liked the new buttons.

I can't imagine they'd have to really replace the whole wheel.. it looks like the controls are a separate part on the parts fiche.

 

I would talk to your service manager. Lexus has known about and been fixing this problem for quite a while. He may be able to help you out.

Dave Mac