The (a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, 3.6 liter) car is not driven extensively, has been well; maintained and has less than 100K miles on the odometer. Recently, when the air-conditioning system failed, a diagnostic service visit to the local (Elk Grove, CA) Hyundai dealership revealed rodent gnawing damage to protective sheathing around electrical system wiring affecting the air conditioning system (which caused failure of that system). Other rodent damage was found not associated with the AC system but also affecting other wiring circuits. The repairs cited for fixing the damage is in excess of US$ 3500 (to repair/replace the main engine wiring harness).
The damage seems to be due to the use of Soy-based compounds in the manufacture of electrical protective insulation (a seemingly common complaint that is rather widespread among many foreign/Japanese/Korean" vehicle manufacturers). Hyundai disclaims any responsibility for this situation, leaving owners to pay for whatever repairs are required. This is a clear case of derelict corporate due-diligence/liability, since most of these auto manufacturers have indicated they ARE well aware of the problem but choose to use Soy compounds in their wiring insulation due to environmental concerns. At the very least, a determined class action suit should be filed against Hyundai (and the other auto corporations) and the manufacturers pressed for satisfactory remunerative settlements of these costly complaints.
The (a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS, 3.6 liter) car is not driven extensively, has been well; maintained and has less than 100K miles on the odometer. Recently, when the air-conditioning system failed, a diagnostic service visit to the local (Elk Grove, CA) Hyundai dealership revealed rodent gnawing damage to protective sheathing around electrical system wiring affecting the air conditioning system (which caused failure of that system). Other rodent damage was found not associated with the AC system but also affecting other wiring circuits. The repairs cited for fixing the damage is in excess of US$ 3500 (to repair/replace the main engine wiring harness).
The damage seems to be due to the use of Soy-based compounds in the manufacture of electrical protective insulation (a seemingly common complaint that is rather widespread among many foreign/Japanese/Korean" vehicle manufacturers). Hyundai disclaims any responsibility for this situation, leaving owners to pay for whatever repairs are required. This is a clear case of derelict corporate due-diligence/liability, since most of these auto manufacturers have indicated they ARE well aware of the problem but choose to use Soy compounds in their wiring insulation due to environmental concerns. At the very least, a determined class action suit should be filed against Hyundai (and the other auto corporations) and the manufacturers pressed for satisfactory remunerative settlements of these costly complaints.
- Kalikiano K., Sacramento, CA, US