Love my 2005 Elantra. Great gas mileage and only one problem in 48,000 miles....at around 30,000 miles the "rubberized" stock covering on the steering wheel cracked and then started to disintegrate. Since it happened exactly on the part of the wheel I usually hold while driving it was both annoying and somewhat suspicious....was I using the wheel as a stress-relief mechanism and crushing the covering ? Hmmmm...I might want to have my blood pressure checked...anyway:

I took a chance and brought it to the Dealers attention...they said they had seen a few other situations like that and replaced the covering in minimal time and at no cost (covered under the Warranty). Glad I asked!

yeah it happened to me as well but i bought a steering wheel cover at canadian tire and job done. it saved the trip to the dealership....my guess is any type of jewelery would do that i don't know

Logical thinking about the jewelry...but I never wear any on either hand....I'm back to the "stress" scenario...lol.

Its as simple as Hyundai using a cheap steering wheel. Most get replaced under warranty where I work.