Leather conditioner won't do anything to leather. The majority of leather on cars is now coated and conditioner will not penetrate the coating. Just use a leather cleaner and wipe on a UV protectant like 303.


Leather wrinkle like that under UV light and constant rubbing. Try not to rub your hand across the wheel when you turn it and use a sun visor to keep direct sunlight from hitting it. Since your car is a 2011, it may have been in the lot and daily sunlight may have damaged the leather's elasticity, making it much easier to wrinkle like that upon the addition of sweat from your palms (oils and salts) and the rubbing from turning the wheel.

Edit: Come to think of it, in your pictures that leather looks rather shiny. New leather should be totally matte. Have you rubbed anything on the leather to make it shine like that? If you can pin the addition of crappy cleaners on the steering wheel by the dealer, you can totally demand they reupholster it.

 

So I checked mine and took pics and mine is the same way. My Outlander sport was the same way and I believe my Evo had these wrinkles (rustic look) when I bought it. I think they changed the material in the steering wheel from the 08/09's. When I see these pics of people's 08 they look much different. There's looks darker and thicker in comparison.

What I wonder also is alot of the people posting that there's is still "like new" seem to be in the more northern states. Here in Texas it is hot. Our Spring feels like a northern summer. Being in summer now we have constant over 100 degree days. My temp gauge will display 110. And even with sunshades and tint the car is boiling out. My handicap placecard is starting to melt. So maybe the heat has something to do with it as well.

I'm glad you brought this up though. I thought the rustic look was normal.

 

Kendogg, at least your leather still looks totally matte. The wrinkling may be an effect from the heat and subsequent cooling from the air conditioning if you are using it. In any case, your leather looks much "healthier" that the topic creators steering wheel.

 

damn... i have a 2011 as well and mine looks nothing like that, nice a smooth for me. 14k miles too.

 

I suggest everyone get a nice dedicated leather cleaner and buy an interior protectant like Aerospace 303 or Ultima Interior Guard Plus. They work perfectly for coated leather. All leather placed in cars are coated with something akin to a very thin layer of vinyl. Almost like a clear coat for leather. Conditioner will not penetrate past the coating to the leather so keeping the coating nice and clean will be your best option. UV can still penetrate the coating (albeit at a very small level) so an addition of UV protectant will be beneficial and the ones I suggested are water based and not greasy in the least like most over the counter leather conditioners.

 

You crazy!?!? You will have a heat stroke if you dont use your AC. I dont know how people down here can go without one. It is so freaking hot. I think last year we set a record with over 100 days over 100 degrees. We had a serious drought last year and are on course for another.

I think you can see a little shiny looking sections in the first 2 pics. But overall it is matte. But when you look at the pics, the steering wheel leather looks very thin in comparison to the earlier posted raliart pic.

I would think that even if I had the steering wheel replaced it would just be the same. I am almost 100% sure it had the wrinkles when I bought it. And mine is a 2012 that was on the showroom floor so it wasnt sitting outside for long like the OP's might have been.

So what should people like me and the OP use to maybe make it a little better?

 

Remember that leather is a natural product so it won't all look the same. If you are concerned about it though, take it back to the dealership and request a warranty repair. For being so new I definitely think you have a case.

 

LOL! I never said not to use the AC! Just trying to find a reason. Usually wrinkles form from stretching and relaxing causing its grip around the area to loosen. The only thing I could think of besides mechanical rubbing is heating and rapid cooling.

See above

I also have a 2012 with 300 miles on it since April when I picked her up, I use 303 after using Wolfgang leather cleaner. Leaves it nice and matte, clean, and protected.

 

Honestly i'm not even sure if our leather is real. when the car is in the sun and you open the door you don't get that amazing leather smell. Regardless.. Leather will Wrinkle over time. just look at any good quality leather seat in say a volvo or Jag. it get's that "vintage look"

Just keep using leather conditioner on the "leather" parts you'll keep it looking fairly new.

 

Well I have had my car for about 4 months. If I go through all the hassle of Mitsu warranty, will it just happen again? Its hard to say if its a defective product. It might be the heat, my hands, hot to cold, etc. I really would hate to go through the Mitsu warranty BS just to have the next one look that way. No way I would be driving with gloves on either.

Is there anyone else in hot southern area with a newer 2011/2012? Its also very humid in San Antonio. And the OP is in CA. They are warm and humid there aren't they?

 

It's leather alright, not the same quality to other higher end cars as you mentioned, but still leather.

However, like I mentioned, conditioner will not do anything to coated leather. It will just sit on top and evaporate.

 

Maybe its like a goat or camel leather or something

 

I'm not sure if the small amount of leather from the wheel is going to give you that amazing leather smell... You're gonna need a lot more leather.

 

My leather is doing just fine after 17,000 miles.

 

that's normal for 10-12 model evo's. the 08 models has that shiny and darker black leather steering wheel while ours has that lighter black rustic look. i like it better though.