2022 Tucson Ultimate Hybrid - Electrical wire damage

[jimmy47785]

Acquired a 2022 Tucson Hybrid one year before. The car has 7,800 km (about 4,700 miles). Received a "Stop Vehicle - Check Brakes" warning on the dashboard, along with all other potential caution lights illuminated. The wheels became entirely immobilised and were unable to rotate. Towed to the dealership.

The dealer informs me that there is rat damage to the wire that traverses a firewall to a control module. The primary structure requires replacement. Approximately $10,000 CAD for an insurance claim for repairs. I conducted more research and discovered that automobiles produced in 2017 by Hyundai, Kia, Honda, and Toyota have begun using a soy/rice-based wire coating instead of plastic to enhance environmental sustainability and minimise expenses. The soy/rice wire coating is very appealing to mice, squirrels, and rats. Approximately six class action lawsuits have been filed but are being rejected since the manufacturer contends that there is no "scientific" data indicating that the soy/rice-based wire coating attracts rats.

I have endured six weeks of distress in dealing with this issue with the Hyundai store, and I still do not own my car. Is anybody else seeing problems with rats gnawing through wiring in almost new Hyundai vehicles?

[SkippyTom]

I had the same problem, although not with my Hyundai. It occurred with one of my new Ford work vehicles. They also presented me with the narrative on soy-based insulation. It seems that Hyundai is not the alone entity engaging in this practice.

[Mistral]

They may as well coat them with bacon grease while they are at it.

[WordSmith]

I have not encountered that problem. We possessed a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4x4, an amazing vehicle, and the same applies. The mice had consumed the cables. It was stationed externally.

[Paqngo]

Soy-based insulation has existed for some years. The attraction of creatures to it is well recognised. I would be astonished to discover a car manufacturer that is not using that material in contemporary times. Nonetheless, this does not provide a sufficient rationale for allowing major corporations, as defendants in litigation, to feign ignorance.

Numerous accounts throughout the years indicate that various creatures are drawn to any wire that conducts even little residual electricity.

Extensive lists (mostly of ordinary home items, cleaning agents, herbs, and toiletries) are purportedly poisonous to certain pests and are thought to be efficient in repelling them. Moreover, the majority are inexpensive and provide a somewhat agreeable fragrance for individuals. For men, it is simple; just apply AXE liberally to various surfaces. No animals were seen in the vicinity thereafter. There are no ladies present.

[WiseSage]

False about being well established.

[WiseSage]

https://www.captoyota.com/service/information/stop-rodents-from-chewing-car-wires.htm

[WiseSage]

https://www.torquenews.com/1083/car-talk-helps-bust-myth-soy-why-rodents-are-eating-your-car-s-wires

[Paqngo]

Excellent discovery. However, I have seen that my 42-year-old backhoe and 72-year-old tractor experience less wire damage compared to the newer vehicles I have had to often leave outside. The former are situated in the woods at a considerable distance from the home. Tractors and similar machinery may be inherently more "exposed" by design, providing a less concealed and safe environment for creatures compared to the area under a vehicle hood. I will need to investigate the findings demonstrating equivalent attraction to soy and non-soy insulation.