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A new class action lawsuit claims thousands of Toyota cars, trucks and SUVs are defective because they contain soy wiring materials that are very attractive to rodents, resulting in costly repairs for their owners.
Plaintiff Heidi Browder says she’s been battling rodent damage under her 2015 Toyota Avalon which she attributes to soy-based wiring materials.
The lawsuit, which requests class action status on behalf of thousands of Toyota owners nationwide, claims the automaker recently switched the materials used to protect wiring inside the electrical systems of its vehicles.
Instead of using plastic or glass-based insulation derived from petroleum, the lawsuit claims Toyota now uses a soy-based wiring material that is promoted as more environmentally-friendly.
While soy-based wiring may be better for the environment, Browder says it also baits rodents and animals – including rats, squirrels, and other pests – to the vehicles and entices them to chew through, eat, or otherwise damage and compromise vehicles’ wiring and wiring insulation.
Browder first started experiencing problems last month when she allegedly tried starting her Toyota Avalon multiple times without any luck. She lifted the hood of the car and reportedly observed a rodent scurry across the top of the engine. Browder says she also observed damage to the wires under the hood and had her vehicle towed to a Toyota dealership.
A couple hours later, a Toyota service technician reported to Browder that there was rodent damage to her car and instructed her to contact her insurance company to see if they would cover the rodent damage. The technician indicated that the damage would cost between $5,600 to $6,000 to repair.
Browder contacted her insurance carrier and after paying a $500 deductible, the vehicle was repaired under her insurance. She then proceeded to inquire if the rodent damage was covered under Toyota’s warranty, but was told by a Toyota service representative that it was not covered because “any outside source of damage to the car” is not covered. The service rep also allegedly stated that rodent damage is “not uncommon” and the rodent damage “happens a lot” with Toyota vehicles.
This prompted to Browder to review her warranty which essentially states coverage is excluded for “airborne chemicals, tree sap, road debris, rail dust, salt, hail, floods, wind storms, lightening, and other environmental conditions.”
Browder points to numerous complaints posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website and other consumer sources which reveal rodents are uniquely attracted to the soy materials in the Toyota vehicles.
Yet despite the fact that Toyota is aware or should be aware of the issue with the soy wiring, it refuses to cover repairs for these vehicles, leaving consumers with little options except to pay for costly repairs out-of-pocket.
But Browder contends that Toyota’s warranty should cover customer repairs since the damage caused by the rodents or other animals chewing on the soy wiring is not an “other environmental condition.”
The lawsuit seeks recovery for monetary and equitable relief for Toyota’s breach of warranty, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, violations of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, and violations of Texas’ consumer protection laws. Browder also seeks recovery based upon Toyota’s unjust enrichment, and declaratory relief.
Browder and the proposed Class are represented by Cory S. Fein of Cory S. Fein PC.
The Toyota Soy Wiring Class Action Lawsuit is Browder v. Toyota Motor Corporation, et al., Case No. 3:16-cv-03387, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.
UPDATE: This Toyota Soy Wiring class action lawsuit was dismissed at the request of the plaintiff on February 7, 2017.
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62 thoughts onToyota Class Action Says Soy Wiring Attracts Rodents
I would also like to know. I have a 2008 Avalon and every time I go for an oil change they tell me rodents have been in my engine. Along with the faulty wiring that go to my headlights that short out.
I have a 2014 Toyota Prius. Would like to know more…
My 2015 Prius is a victim of the rodents, it happened today, they chewed the wire harness for the spark plugs and for the air filter sensor (mass air flow sensor).
It will cost me around $1000 or more to repair. do your best to put some rodents repellent inside your car and inside engine bay
Rabbit damage in Arizona. 2015 4Runner.
I have had several Toyota vehicles, 1998 Camry, 2009 Camry and currently a 2012 Camry. What are the years are they referring to?
I purchase a 2007 Toyta Camray brand new in 2006. Squirrels ate through wiring.
I am also wanting to know what make/model and year. I own a 2009 camry.
I had a 1992 Toyota Paseo and squirrels destroyed my wiring harness. Had to replace the whole thing. How far back does this lawsuit cover. It also happened to my parents corolla.
My Camry’s engine was attacked by rats too and I had to have the car towed and paid for my own repairs.
I would like to know more about this suit.
Thanks
Chow do u find out what vehicles are affected
I wonder what years this applies too. I have a 2000 camry and found a mouse nest on the intake side of my airfilter..
ditto me too; very same year camry.
unloaded 2 big handfuls of nest and now radio acting up as well
From what I have been reading It’s happening to years 2012/16. It’s driving me crazy. only owned my 4runner 3 months and it’s happend 3times. Insurance company has coverd 2 of 3( just happend again today )at some point I’m going to get dropped .