Steering wheel leather cracking

[Shieldzee]

My 2019 GT2 RWD's steering wheel's leather is cracking. See attached pic. Is anyone else seeing this? It is at the "7:00" spot on the wheel. My dealer said , " I had my director of fixed operations inspect the steering wheel per Kia protocol. Please keep in mind we must follow Kia's definition of manufacturer's defect...in point of fact, with any warranty repairs we perform the defective parts are returned to Kia for examination and if their requirements are not met the warranty repair is kicked back. What we found was normal wear."

Is anyone else experiencing this? Should I try to go to Kia America?

Thanks in advance!

 

[MerlintheMad]

That doesn't look "normal" to me. It isn't "cracked" yet, it is crazed. So get advice from these guys on the forum who treat their leather. I'm sure there are several good products to keep that from getting any worse. As it is, I think that it will largely be invisible after good leather treatment, and stay that way.

 

[Revvdmedia]

Considering the location (normally out of direct sunlight), if that is not wear from where you hold the wheel, I would consider that unusual wear or a defect. As noted by Merlin, a leather conditioner could help slow or stop the wear. Remember that real leather is a material that does wrinkle, crease and deform over time. I suggest at least twice a year applying a leather conditioner after cleaning the wheel with a leather cleaner. I don't think branding is very important, just stay away from "house" brand products and stick to at the bare minimum, Mothers, Meguiars or better.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Swap for Alcantera... problem solved.

 

[Shieldzee]

Swap for Alcantera... problem solved.

Don't think that I haven't thought about it!

 

[Revvdmedia]

Swap for Alcantera... problem solved.

Yeah but Alcantara gets super nasty over time because of hand sweat. Pretty much have to wear racing gloves.

 

[Rango]

Got this wheel cover. Fits very snug, never slips, and I like the larger grip.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Yeah but Alcantara gets super nasty over time because of hand sweat. Pretty much have to wear racing gloves.

wash your hands once in awhile you heathen...

 

[AV8R]

Its covered by warranty. Seal and protect the new one with some leather protector, Chemical Guys sell some good stuff.

 

[Kgh31386]

Mine is doing the same thing in the same spot. I don’t even hold the wheel there. Hmmm

 

[Chyoon]

Mine is doing the same thing in the same spot. I don’t even hold the wheel there. Hmmm

View attachment 32968

That mark looks like a result of aggressive abrasion. Perhaps it caught something when entering the vehicle?

I had the same issue from a tech working on my car. It was actually much worse and looked near ripped. I applied some conditioner to keep it supple and rubbed it the other way over several days until it sort of went away.

 

[NS_Stinger]

I think you can make those marks fairly easily with either a ring you're wearing or your fingernail when spinning the wheel. Especially if you release the wheel and let it spin back to center while gliding under your hands.

 

[Silvermanor]

Definitely from catching your nail on the wheel. The leather i find to be really slippery and this has happened to me twice causing that exact damage. The leather on the wheel is not that durable.

 

[Geodude]

Got this wheel cover. Fits very snug, never slips, and I like the larger grip.
View attachment 30723

Nice wheel cover! Where did you buy it?