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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
Just had my Toyota Camry hybrid have its wires chewed through twice – total cost of damage almost $7000. How does one join this lawsuit?
My 2020 Rav4 Hybrid Limited had been attacked by rodents 4 times in less than a year, both in
Philadelphia and Brooklyn, NY. the last three on 12/03/21, 12/10/21 and 01/6/22. Total repair bills
$6028.84. While insurance paid the bills I was stuck with $1,500 deductibles and dealing with not
having a car for a total for 13 days. I could not live with the stress of not knowing when and where
this car will break down again.
I had to buy a new Subaru (has a very solid reputation for excellent reliability and NO PROBLEMS
with RODENT DAMAGE). Because of the damaged engine my trade in value was only $29,000, while
Carvana would pay $ 10,000 more without the rodent damage.
I have been a loyal Toyota customer for decades and bought 7 vehicles, three of them hybrids.
I feel totally betrayed and angry with Toyota’s callous disregard for common decency and corporate
responsibility.
I believe that thousands or Toyota owners join in this lawsuit and also inform the broader public
of what they might expect from buying a Toyota
The same thing is going on with the Honda’s. I went through the same thing. I believe there is suppose to be a class action suite going on as well but I have not heard anything.
I have been hit three times. 2011 Corolla – New Wiring Harness $600.00. 2014 Corolla 2 gas tanks because of chewed hoses that are welded on within three months $800.00 for first one and $900.00 for second one. Toyota declined to help even after I brought up soy coating, I also had wires covered with Honda Rodent Tape. Funny….I had a 1998 Ford parked in the same spot for 7 years not one incident. I need to get on this.
I’ve had several Toyotas and 2 that had the wiring eaten by mice, how do i get in on this lawsuit. It cost me alot of money to have them repaired.
My Scion tC just had it’s wire eaten by rats last night. How do I join this lawsuit?
I would like to know how to join this lawsuit also. I have a 2015 Avalon with only 8000 miles on it. The damage for mine was…. get ready for this…$12,046.27! Totally rediculous!
I have a 2014 Avalon and experienced the same thing last month (Jan 2017). Toyota tried to charge us $9000 for repairs. They wanted to replace the entire transmission, even though it was only the wires that needed to be repaired. We fixed the wires and the mice are back!!! Our 2009 Tahoe sits 4 feet from my Avalon and we don’t have any damage on it. We are so frustrated!!!
How do I join this class action suit
I need tho join this suit my car is currently sitting at the dealership with rodent that ate part of my wiring harness
How do I get added to this class action lawsuit? We had $3,000 in damage to wiring in our 2106 Toyota Corolla in December 2016!
My 2020 Rav4 Hybrid Limited had been attacked by rodents 4 times in less than a year, both in
Philadelphia and Brooklyn, NY. the last three on 12/03/21, 12/10/21 and 01/6/22. Total repair bills
$6028.84. While insurance paid the bills I was stuck with $1,500 deductibles and dealing with not
having a car for a total for 13 days. I could not live with the stress of not knowing when and where
this car will break down again.
I had to buy a new Subaru (has a very solid reputation for excellent reliability and NO PROBLEMS
with RODENT DAMAGE). Because of the damaged engine my trade in value was only $29,000, while
Carvana would pay $ 10,000 without the rodent damages.
I have been a loyal Toyota customer for decades and bought 7 vehicles, three of them hybrids.
I feel totally betrayed and angry with Toyota’s callous disregard for common decency and corporate
responsibility.
I believe that thousands or Toyota owners join in this lawsuit and also inform the broader public
of what they might expect from buying a Toyota
How do I join this class action suit?