Steering Wheel Pealing?

[socal410]

If a lemon layer is willing to do a case then do it. It won't cost you anything and Toyota will likely throw money at you to go away. The lawyer will get 30/40% and the remainder will pay for the new wheel.

But let's face it. For several years I read complaints on the NHTSA database and the majority of complaints were incomprehensible ramblings. You need to write a coherent, to the point, unemotional letter Here are a few examples from NHTSA on how NOT to write a complaint:

"I LEASED A NEW 2016 VW GOLF. VW CLAIMED THE CAR GOT 25/35 MILEAGE. I AM GETTING 13/26 AND YET I AM A VERY CASUAL DRIVER. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO TWO VW DEALERSHIP A TOTAL OF FIVE TIMES. THEY ARE CLAIMING THAT THAT I ONLY DRIVE A FEW MILES A DAY, SO THE CAR DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH TIME TO WARM UP AND THAT IS WHY I DO NOT GET THE STATED MILEAGE. IT'S A RIDICULOUS CLAIM. I FEEL LIKE THIS IS ANOTHER VW SCANDAL. I NEED TO ESCALATE THE RESOLUTION OF THIS ISSUE AS I HAVE PLENTY OF PROOF ON THE ISSUE. LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE THE CORRECT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE."

"WE STILL SMELL GAS IN THE CAR AND WE ARE SCARED. NOW, MY AND MY FAMILY'S LIFE UNDER RISK. WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE IF CAR GOT FIRE AND WE ALL DIE..PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT TO DO AND HOW TO GIVE THIS CAR BACK WITHOUT ANY COST TO ME?"

"CONTINENTAL TIRES 225/40R18•92H TIRE WALLS TEARING CRACKING AND CAUSING TIRE TO MELT A HOLE"

Each of these people may have a legitimate complaint (although the dealer is probably right on the first one), but they are written so badly as to be worse than useless.

Again, I couldn't agree with you more and have already written a formal letter to Toyota. That was sent back in August. I just don't think Toyota will listen to me. If people on this forum are serious about fixing this then they need to write letters as well. Power in numbers.

Toyota called me yesterday and asked if I wanted to pursue the Lemon Law. I said yes and we'll see where this goes. I will keep the forum updated.

 

[cb1111]

Again, I couldn't agree with you more and have already written a formal letter to Toyota. That was sent back in August. I just don't think Toyota will listen to me. If people on this forum are serious about fixing this then they need to write letters as well. Power in numbers.

Toyota called me yesterday and asked if I wanted to pursue the Lemon Law. I said yes and we'll see where this goes. I will keep the forum updated.

But it is much easier to come here and whine. Writing an actual letter is work...

 

[Beer_Runner]

This is mine. 2016 with close to 51k miles.

 

[cb1111]

This is mine. 2016 with close to 51k miles.

Is THAT what you guys are complaining about? That looks like damage from a ring or fingernail.

 

[Beer_Runner]

I'm not really complaining about it and I don't expect Toyota to cover the damages either. I just noticed it on mine so I thought I would post a pic. I have zero issues with the top of my steering wheel, which is where most people have the problem.

 

[Grape Ape]

Is THAT what you guys are complaining about? That looks like damage from a ring or fingernail.

No, mine was quite a bit worse than that, flaking off/peeling in big pieces across the top

 

[Beer_Runner]

^^ Mine wasn't like that at all. Good thing I paid extra for that Pro. lol.

 

[tacoyota]

I notice mine starting to peel very slightly. It is in the same spot on top towards the dash. Man this is very disappointing as I can imagine it will only eventually get worse due to heat and normal usage.

 

[49Runner]

I installed a steering wheel cover that I bought from Amazon. I've installed 3 so far, including the one pictured below. It takes approximately 4-5 hours and it's very straight forward. I also like it because the steering wheel is a bit thicker and it's nicer to drive with.

CUSTOM STEERING WHEEL

INSTALL VIDEO

Seems like this is the way to go... $60.00, actual leather

 

[00Sebby]

Coming from a '10 Trail with the plastic steering wheel, I was excited to know I was getting a leather wheel in the '20 ORP. Unfortunately, it feels cheaper and worse than the Trail wheel and the 10yr-old plastic wheel still looked new after 170k miles. My JL Rubicon had a proper leather wheel... honestly, everything you see in this view was better than the new 4R. Not the whole vehicle, but the quality of interior materials, the infotainment functionality and display quality, and most of the user interfaces in general were way better than the 4Runner. But it was still a Jeep and I found by owning it that I like the 4Runner better.

 

[49Runner]

I ordered one of the leather Amazon covers... I’ll let you know how it goes.

 

[Ogre75]

Mine was like that when I bought it used two years ago. Cheap "leather" and sunscreen on hands is the issue. I thought about taking it to my local upholstery shop to have that section replaced with higher quality leather.

 

[NYC4runner556]

I got my certified 2018 SR5 Premium back in May. Came with just under 20k miles on it and I’ve put 6k miles on so far. The top of my wheel is peeling just like the others. I have an extended warranty and still have the original warranty. Going to call the dealership and see if they’ll replace it. Has anyone had any luck getting it replaced for free?

 

[slowveloce]

Noticed mine this morning...I was wondering if using hand sanitizer before getting in caused it. But that is only like once a week, good to know that it is not my carelessness, bad to know that I'm out of warranty.

 

[49Runner]

I ordered one of the leather Amazon covers... I’ll let you know how it goes.

Excellent fit, really like the thicker wheel... be patient, took 5 weeks to show up after ordering.

 

[enyce]

Excellent fit, really like the thicker wheel... be patient, took 5 weeks to show up after ordering.

Nice! Please share link from Amazon. Thanks.

 

[-JD-]

Mines gotten pretty terrible. Wondering which covers people have ordered??

 

[mlrff]

My '14 limited started to do it at 30k. I bought it used so I knew they wouldn't cover it . I got some leather stain off of Amazon. It seemed to hold up for a couple of years.

 

[khalid74120021]

I was cleaning my car yesterday and noticed that my 2017 TRD ORP was starting peel at the top, car has 38K miles on it.

I don't wear a ring nor do I hold the wheel at that spot so im at a loss why it would peel there.

looking for links to covers people used with good results

 

[TrijiCog]

Damn, my 2018 ORP started peeling maybe 2 months ago, driving me crazy.. Only thing I ever used to clean it was Mothers (I think) VLR.