If you’re looking to get into sim racing and considering your first force feedback steering wheel, you’re probably wondering one thing: how does it hold up long term?

I’ve owned the Thrustmaster T150 for just over three years. I bought it in 2021 for around £180, and since then it’s been pushed hard — drifting, aggressive racing, and long sessions. This isn’t a gentle review. This is what happens after real-world, heavy use.

Here’s my honest long-term experience with the Thrustmaster T150, including wear, failures, and why I’m finally upgrading.

Pedal Problems After Long-Term Use

The T150 originally comes with a basic two-pedal set (accelerator and brake). That worked fine at first, but once I got into drifting, I upgraded to a three-pedal set with a clutch.

That’s when the problems started.

Broken Pedal Connector

One of the biggest issues I’ve faced is the pedal connector. The small plastic locking tab that secures the cable into the wheel base snapped off. Once that happens, the cable no longer stays in properly and can disconnect while driving.

I initially blamed desk mounting and frequent movement before I owned a proper wheel stand. However, even after upgrading pedals and mounting the wheel securely, the same issue happened again — another broken connector tab.

When the pedals disconnect mid-race or during a fast lap, it completely ruins the experience.

Steering Wheel Wear After 3 Years

After three years of heavy use, the physical condition of the wheel tells a clear story.

The rubber grip on the steering wheel has almost completely worn away. What used to feel textured and grippy is now smooth and slippery, especially where your hands naturally sit during racing.

On the inner edges, you can still see some original texture, but during aggressive cornering the grip no longer feels secure. One side has even started chewing itself up, with visible damage to the rubber.

Visible Damage to the Wheel

There’s also a noticeable hole in the steering wheel, which shows just how much abuse this wheel has taken over time. While it’s not the biggest functional issue, it’s a clear sign of long-term material fatigue.

The Biggest Issue: Structural Damage

The main reason I’ve decided to upgrade is the underside of the wheel, which is now severely damaged.

The lower section is essentially destroyed, and at this point it’s not something I can ignore. While the wheel still functions, the physical condition has reached a breaking point. For anyone taking sim racing seriously, this isn’t sustainable long term.

Does the Thrustmaster T150 Still Work?

Surprisingly — yes.

Despite the wear and tear, the force feedback still works, inputs are responsive, and the wheel performs as it always has. Mechanically and electronically, it hasn’t failed.

The biggest frustration remains reliability during use — especially pedal disconnections. Losing control mid-corner because a cable comes loose is not ideal, particularly when pushing for lap times.

Is the Thrustmaster T150 Still Worth Buying?

If you’re a beginner sim racer, the Thrustmaster T150 is still a solid entry-level wheel. It offers proper force feedback, good immersion, and decent performance for the price.

However, after three years of heavy use, the limitations become clear:

Plastic components don’t age well

Pedal connectors are a weak point

Rubber grips wear faster than expected

If you plan to race hard or long term, you should expect to upgrade eventually.

Final Verdict: Thrustmaster T150 After 3 Years

The Thrustmaster T150 was a great starting point for my sim racing journey. It delivered solid performance, survived years of abuse, and helped me progress into more serious driving.

But after three years, it’s reached the end of its life for me.

If you’re considering the T150, think about how intensively you’ll use it — and how soon you might want to step up to something more durable.

Would I recommend it for a first sim racing wheel? Yes.
Would I rely on it forever? No.