Hyundai's Soy Wiring Is a Little TooΒ Eco-Friendly
The wiring in cars used to be coated in a petroleum-based plastic, but recently automakers, including Hyundai, have switched to a soy-based material. The soy is biodegradable and helps keep plastic out of the landfill (yay!). Unfortunately it also attracts rodents (boo!).

The problem is it also grabbed the attention of rodents, who use the chew the material and often use the scraps for nests.
The Soy-Based Lawsuit β
Hyundai was sued for using soy-based wire insulation by a group representing 2013-2016 Hyundai Veloster, Accent, Azera, Elantra, Equus, Genesis Coupe, Santa Fe, Sonata and Tuscon owners purchased or leased in California.
The case, Michelle Martinez v. Hyundai Motor America, Inc., argues that when an owner takes their vehicle in for repairs due to the chewed wires, the gnawed materials are replaced with more soy-based materials. A vicious ciricle ensues, and owners can spend thousands of dollars just keeping their cars running.
The plaintiff says rodents chew on numerous parts of Hyundai vehicles, including the hood insulation, battery wiring assembly and harness, filter assembly for the engine, wiring assembly and battery shims.
An Industry Wide Problem β
Honda, Toyota, Kia, and Subaru are all facing similar lawsuits.
Problem Timeline
Hyundai is being sued for using soy-based wire insulation that attracts rabbits, mice, squirrels and other creatures.
The Hyundai lawsuit alleges the automaker denies there is a problem by using the soy-based wiring and since no defect exists, any replacement parts will also consist of soy products.
Hyundai Generations Where This Problem Happens
This problem has been reported by owners of the following generations. While there's no guarantee it affects all the listed model years, most years within a generation share the same parts, manufacturing processes, and problems.
4th Generation Accent (2011β2017)
5th Generation Azera (2012β2016)
5th Generation Elantra (2011β2016)
2nd Generation Genesis Coupe (2013β2016)
3rd Generation Santa Fe (2013β2018)
6th Generation Sonata (2011β2014)
7th Generation Sonata (2015β2019)
2nd Generation Tucson (2010β2015)
3rd Generation Tucson (2016β2020)
More Information About The Affected Models
Hyundai Accent
- PainRank™
- 5.5
- Complaints
- 233
- Reliability
- 13th out of 25

Hyundai Azera
- PainRank™
- 4.66
- Complaints
- 79
- Reliability
- 11th out of 25

Hyundai Elantra
- PainRank™
- 61.02
- Complaints
- 1327
- Reliability
- 24th out of 25

Hyundai Equus
- PainRank™
- 4.67
- Complaints
- 29
- Reliability
- 12th out of 25

Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- PainRank™
- 2.29
- Complaints
- 18
- Reliability
- 7th out of 25

Hyundai Santa Fe
- PainRank™
- 22.36
- Complaints
- 988
- Reliability
- 22nd out of 25

Hyundai Sonata
- PainRank™
- 74.27
- Complaints
- 2100
- Reliability
- 25th out of 25

Hyundai Tucson
- PainRank™
- 26.92
- Complaints
- 598
- Reliability
- 23rd out of 25
