Hyundai's Soy Wiring Is a Little Too Eco-Friendly

TL;DR

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!).

Posted on: July 31, 2017
Tagged: #lawsuit #electrical

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 ∞

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 ∞

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.
Posted on
August 1, 2017
Tagged
#lawsuit
Source
carcomplaints.com

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 (2011–2017)
PainRank^™
5.78
Complaints
119
Years
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
5th Generation Azera (2012–2016)
PainRank^™
2.01
Complaints
27
Years
2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
5th Generation Elantra (2011–2016)
PainRank^™
45.43
Complaints
937
Years
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

2nd Generation Genesis Coupe (2013–2016)
PainRank^™
0.86
Complaints
12
Years
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
3rd Generation Santa Fe (2013–2018)
PainRank^™
19.69
Complaints
270
Years
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
6th Generation Sonata (2011–2014)
PainRank^™
68.11
Complaints
1312
Years
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
7th Generation Sonata (2015–2019)
PainRank^™
18.44
Complaints
277
Years
2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
2nd Generation Tucson (2010–2015)
PainRank^™
14.64
Complaints
198
Years
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
3rd Generation Tucson (2016–2020)
PainRank^™
15.27
Complaints
345
Years
2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

OK, Now What?

Maybe you've experienced this problem. Maybe you're concerned you will soon. Whatever the reason, here's a handful of things you can do to make sure it gets the attention it deserves.

File Your Complaint
CarComplaints.com is a free site dedicated to uncovering problem trends and informing owners about potential issues with their cars. Major class action law firms use this data when researching cases.
Add a Complaint
Notify CAS
The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is a pro-consumer organization that researches auto safety issues & often compels the US government to do the right thing through lobbying & lawsuits.
Notify The CAS
Report a Safety Concern
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the US agency with the authority to conduct vehicle defect investigations & force recalls. Their focus is on safety-related issues.
Report to NHTSA