I had an extremely small similar issue like this on my passenger seat. I don't have the car anymore. Not sure if it got worse.

 

Could this be COVID related? Using hand sanitizer and then grabbing your wheel?

 

I've been using hand sanitizer since before the pandemic after every fuel stop and after leaving my residential facilities in the LS and other vehicles. Never had this problem.

 

What are the last 4 digits of your VIN? I bought my car used and the first owner had the steering wheel replaced under warranty. My VIN is 1005 or something just over 1000, very early build car.

 

It is 4600. I really don't understand how this is not covered by a regular warranty. I may have neglected to mention this, but they replaced the first steering wheel after 1 year of driving, and exactly a year after replacement the issue is back. I would venture to say it is the Florida humidity and heat. While the car is garaged, the garage gets very hot during the summer months. Regardless of location, if they are selling Lexus vehicles in Florida, they should be made to withstand Florida weather.

 

I had a Toyota/Lexus back in the day that had the EXACT type of damage on the leather-wrapped steering wheel. Mine occurred as a result of sea air (high humidity, mixed with the components of salt from the ocean). I used to always open my sunroof, and windows - when driving, and ALWAYS when down near the beach in Japan. After I replaced the steering wheel, I never opened the sunroof or windows near the beach again, and never had another problem. This is true - these elements will absolutely destroy your leather. Especially on the steering wheel, from what I learned. But hey it's a lease, so no big deal for you - for now, until you turn it in, I guess.

 

My dad's LS had the same white smoke problem. Definitely looked like condensation. Ended up blowing the first motor at 20k miles and then a second time at 25k miles. Car was lemon'd.

 

interesting re the first issue wonder if it's related to mine. Different car but food for thought--my 2021 ES300h has the abrupt jerk when gently modulating the brake pedal when at a near stop or like maneuvering to park. Like when you're gently braking, lift off, then reapply gently-- a sharp jolt occurs. Like inside the garage type speeds. Note, not "hybrid brake" things but, the system is calibrated in such a way to where it's applying the brakes too harshly if you release the brake then softly reapply-- a sharp jolt. Apparently Lexus is retuning the brake system on the ES300h for 2022 refresh. Wonder if they'll do that for the LS too.

Had three other Toyota/Lexus hybrids that didn't do this.

 

I have noticed a similar decomposition on my steering wheel and driver leather seats(LS500 2018 @50K miles). Lexus did send a notice of faulty leather with "Cracked and or Sticky components" as a result of heat, humidity, high temps over time. They are refusing to replace and denying warranty coverage.

 

I have a video covering all the issues I've had on my LS500 in the last year plus some other info...

 

I am mystified that Lexus would allow another poor quality interior again after the mess with the 07-09 LS460. Say it ain't so!

 

That doesn’t sound right. It is the brakes making the jolt or the transmission?

 

With 22,000 miles rod knocking at 3000 rpms . Getting louder . Dealership says .......all OK unless notice /warning on dash. Oil changes every 5k miles using Mobile 1 extended service ....which is good for 20 k miles .
Anyone else with the same issue ?

 

Floor it a bunch and make them replace it once it blows.

 

The seats have these bars on the side that give me sever discomfort after sitting for 20-30 minutes. Checked around, anyone else think the seats are less than optimal. Big change from my ls460