Steering wheel leather/rubber falling apart

I have the same deterioration but in a much smaller area at the top. It's most certainly a manufacturing defect and you should get it replaced under warranty.

Doesn't matter to me as I plan to swap it out for the much nicer JDM piano black steering wheel with the enlarged thumb rests.

 

I also have a 2010 and my steering wheel looks pretty much brand new, so I'd say that's not normal and should be replaced under warranty. My guess is it's caused by exposure to the sun, since you don't drive with your hands on that area.

 

Maybe from direct heat at the top but it can't be from UV exposure as the factory windshield has a 100% UV cut rate.

 

I don't remember saying it was from UV exposure...

 

Just clarifying so people here don't freak out and stink up their interior with 303 Protectant or something

 

Ewwww...that looks awful! Few questions. Do you park outside for extended periods of time? Have you used something to clean/treat the leather previously, which might be affected by sun and is "shedding"?

I've had mine for almost 3 years now and the leather looks brand new. It spends more time in the garage than out in the sun.

 

I put one of those leather wraps on mine in September, and can already see spots where a very thin top layer is wearing off. I would absolutely take it in to get it replaced under warranty. I hear that oils from the skin can be harmful to leather and thought it was recommended to clean and protect it periodically. Then again, I didn't really read the info sheet all that closely on my wrap

 

I'm parked in an underground garage at work most of the week and it's out in the sun only on weekends. The location of the deterioration on my steering wheel happens to be aligned with the path of the sun and I'm sure mine would have ended up like yours had it been out in the sun all the time.

True, but even oil won't cause the type of damage shown in the OP. If anything, oil would cause leather to lose its texture, giving it a smoother appearance over time.

 

Some people have more corrosive skin oils/sweat. I have a brother-in-law that goes through eyeglass frames because his skin oils are eating the metal. Have you noticed issues with handling other items, like cell phones or keyboards?

My steering wheel looks & feels like new, but I use leather cleaner/protectant on a regular basis (same for the seats).

 

If that were true, the deterioration would be found all over, not just the top part where it gets the most sun/heat exposure, as in my case.

 

'08 prius ...40k mi. Hawaii ...Hi. Distributor doesn't want to know about it...local Dealer doesn't want to know about it...have sent a 'Hail Mary' to corporate...am awaiting a response... 30 yr + exclusive Toyota family...Toyoto people don't give a s@#t ...they claim ignorance of the issue and 40 k miles in ,too bad!

 

Put a Wheelskins leather cover over it.

SCH-I535

 

Just heard from a paddling buddy...w/ an '08 Prius/160k mi....Hers' (Steering Wheel) is in worse condition than mine . Her plastic spoiler is fine though .

 

Mine started doing this at from 11 to 1 oclock I bought a leather cover and installed it.