Hi forum!
I have a 2017 4Runner SR5 Premium that I bought brand new. I love the vehicle and I've always been meticulous about maintaining my vehicles especially this one. Something that is bugging the hell out of me is the steering wheel has been pealing at the top. This started within the first 8 months of owning the vehicle. I took it into Toyota Escondido to get it replaced under warranty and apparently Toyota deemed this as, "outside influence." They said if I wanted to fix it I would have to purchase a steering wheel for $781.33+tax and an hour of labor to install it. I even reached out to Toyota corporate.

I can't figure out what they consider, "outside influence." Does that mean me putting my hands on the wheel is outside influence??? Needless to say, I'm pretty pissed and wanted to see if anyone else has had similar issues. Am I crazy or is this a common issue with the rig?

Bullshit, its under warranty.

IMO this catch phrase could be cleaning/detailing solutions, or substances on your hands. Others here have gotten it replaced under warranty, don't give up.

i don't think it's a widespread problem, but there have been a few people here who have had problems with their steering wheel who swear they just used mild soap and water to clean the wheel (and one who's was obviously just scratched with something).


it doesn't solve your problem with getting toyota to replace it under warranty, but i did notice cartrimhome has a custom cut steering wheel cover: Free Shipping Hand-sewn Soft Leather Wear-resistant Steering Wheel Cover For Toyota 4Runner 2014-2019

My 2016 started peeling within 5k miles and only got worse. I took it into the dealer and they replaced the wheel along with the brushed silver trim on the passenger side that was cracking. No questions asked. The new wheel doesn't have a single mark and its been a few thousand miles since it was replaced. I would try a different dealer.

F that. They will pay for it. Keep your foot down on this one.

I'm definitely going to now! Screw them.

Wow well I guess I'm not crazy then. Thanks for the heads up!

This looks nice and I'll probably get this but I'm going to do what I can to get them to honor the warranty. Thanks for this info

Interesting, I just noticed mine starting to peel at the top the other day. I figured it was something I must have done, but now I'll have it looked at.

Mine is flaking in places. It's difficult to see. I touch it up with a black permanent marker. No issues with that solution.

Mine has 30k miles on it, is wearing through to the white underlayment and is just out of the 3/36 so... I'll watch this for options.

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Would you have any issue DMing me your vin and picture? It would be very helpful to have more 4Runner owners with this issue backing each other up. I think this could be class action worthy if this happens to a lot of other trucks.

I have a 2018 and it has begun peeling on the top

exactly where mine is pealing.