NHTSA Complaint #11611211 — 2022 GENESIS GV80

The electrical wiring harnesses affecting numerous safety systems (forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning) have been chewed through by rodents. Upon further research it was determined that starting in 2016 Asian automotive manufacturers (Nissan, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai) began using soy-based insulation in their wiring harnesses as alternatives to petroleum-based insulation. Rodents (mice, squirrels, etc.) are attracted to the wiring harnesses. The resultant damage and safety concerns led customers to file several lawsuits against the manufacturers. It is not clear whether Hyundai stopped the use of these soy-based wiring harnesses after 2021. Genesis is a spin-off of Hyundai, leveraging common parts. It appears that these soy-based wiring harnesses are being used in some of the 2022 GV80 models. Genesis currently burdens its customers with the cost to troubleshoot and replace these harnesses. Given the previous lawsuits and the continue risks of using these wiring harnesses in key safety systems, it is recommended that Hyundai and Genesis issue manufacturer recalls to ensure these harnesses are replaced with materials that do not attract rodents. We first started experiencing intermittent failures in in the highway driving assist system. Then, forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems. These became more pronounced until we brought the vehicle into Pearson Genesis of Richmond on 06/28/2024. After troubleshooting and inspecting the automobile, the technician showed us pictures of where rodents had eaten through wiring harnesses (attached). The cost to repair this over two visits totaled $957.42. I contacted Genesis headquarters suggesting they investigate this further, given the lawsuits. They agreed to offset my cost by $672, but did not agree to address the underlying problem.