I have a 2001 Supercrew, medium parchment interior, 23,000 miles. I've tried to clean the steering wheel only to have layers of what appears to be paint rub off. Has anyone else experienced this problem? I can't believe the poor quality for a $30,000 vehicle.

 

Is there any "stitching" on your wheel? If it is, you probably have a leather steering wheel. DO NOT use any caustic cleaners on it, or you could ruin the wheel for good! Use something like Lexol, or other decent leather cleaners and conditioners. If it's the rubber/vinyl wheel you must have used some really harsh cleaner on it. I ruined the vinyl on my airbag cover the first time I cleaned it, dulled it out permanently! I now have to use tire dressing on it to get the finish looking decent,,,,every time I clean the interior Good luck!,,,,98

 

Ford replaced my 2001 supercrew steering wheel. So far so good with the new one.

They say it's leather - I have my doubts - looks like pleather to me.

Take it back - and get it replaced. Maybe after they replace a couple of thousand of them - they'll upgrade.

 

Well, the whole point is that you can't clean leather with anything other than leather cleaner, that is if you want the color to stay. You can't spray any dyed leather with Tuff Stuff or 409, and expect it to stand up to it. Leather is leather, vinyl is vinyl. There is prudent care involved, lol!!,,,,98