Has anyone else had this problem? It looks like the padding is coming through the stitches on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. The entire wheel is like this. The car is only six months old.

Dealership and corporate both say it's a normal characteristic of the car. Not the end of the world, but really? Not the best craftsmanship and fit-and-finish.

 

It sucks to hear that type of response from Lexus.

 

Get this into the media wheres thousands/millions can see this. They will definitely take action and get you a new one.

 

That doesn't look like padding to me.. That just looks like the backside of the leather peaking out along the seam.. It is normal since the leather is pulled tight as it is stitched.

 

While I think my stitching is holding up, I'm starting to see striations at the bottom and sides of the F-Sport steering wheel. Getting lateral stretching in the black perforated portion of the steering wheel and circular marks on the grey portion, one of which has turned into a full peel.

 

This would definitely be a Emmy winning news story. "Would you just look at these steering wheels?" Then have some poor sap crying on camera about how his life is ruined.

 

Mine is like that also, except its only on the right side of it. The left side is perfectly fine, can't see any of the inside of the leather. I'm going to mention it to my dealership once I get my next oil change.

 

Do you recall how does happened? or is a just wear and tear? How long have you owned the car?

 

This is typically, caused by rings worn when driving. Lexus used really soft leather on the steering to give you the "best" luxurious feeling. but it is not durable.

 

This is normal, my dad's S Class looks just like this, if you zoom in and stare. haha. I think BMW's have a different stitch method.

 

It's just wear and tear as I don't wear rings - car is 2014 F-Sport with 45,000km. The dealership mechanic mentioned he's seen one other car with the same circular marks but hadn't heard back whether corporate would cover it under warranty.

 

That's really strange. I've had my car for 8 months now and my steering wheel looks brand new. I can't see any cracks or rips in it and the stitching is fine. When it's warm out though, I use a windshield cover to protect the interior from sun and heat damage, so maybe that makes a difference?

 

I would try to take it up to the dealership and see what they say. Certainly Lexus leather used on the steering wheel is on the soft side. Certainly wear and tear happen on leather but not as early as on a 2-year old car, especially we are talking about peeling and not scuff marks.

Mine is looking great (also 2014 3IS) as I never hold my steering wheel with bare hands. Always wear gloves as I don't want to mar any surfaces in the interior.