Black grease film under hood

I went to change air filter today and under the hood near the hood latch there is a thin layer of black grease along the front edge of the hood. No noticeable fluid leaks, all fluid levels are normal, no issues during drive. It's a 2017 TRD Off Road with 54,900 miles.

 

My wife’s old car used to do that right above the belt. It was dirt and grime that got into the engine bay during normal driving that got flung into the hood by the spinning belt. Used to just hit it with degreaser on occasion, no issue

 

Toyota says this is normal

 

Welcome to TW

 

Quite likely that someone used spray lube to lubricate the hood latch and the overspray is attracting dirt.

 

Road grime, it comes in through grille. After every rain/snow, mine is cover with schnit.