[Pearls Before Swine]

I hadn’t heard of this. I wonder if introduction of this soy-based coating was eco-driven.

[Red Badger]

This started back in the 90’s. Millions of cars were manufactured with edible wire insulation...............

List of cars with soy wire insulation
Based on the provided search results, here is a list of cars that may have soy-based wire insulation:

BMW 318is (1991 model)
Honda CR-V (2017 model)
Toyota (2021 model)
Ford (2016 and 2017 models)
General Motors vehicles (no specific model mentioned)

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is based on the limited information provided. It’s also important to note that not all cars with soy-based wire insulation will necessarily attract rodents, and not all rodents will be attracted to soy-based wire insulation. Additionally, some cars may have soy-based wire insulation in certain components, but not in all areas.

https://www.motorverso.com/which-cars-have-soy-based-wiring/

[Omnivore-Dan]

Probably was some wing-nuts idea for cheaper wiring. Maybe lives where there isn’t any wildlife that smells dinner.

[Dr. Sivana]

From Perplexity.ai, the best AI I have found:

Yes, modern cars do use soy-based insulation coating on their electrical wiring. Here are the key points: Since around 2000, almost all major automakers started using soy-based insulation for wiring instead of traditional petroleum-based insulation.

The soy-based insulation is cheaper for manufacturers and considered more environmentally friendly as it is plant-based and biodegradable.

However, this soy-based wiring has become an attractive food source for rodents like mice, rats, and squirrels who gnaw through the insulation, causing electrical issues in vehicles.

Automakers like Honda, Toyota, Kia, Hyundai, Audi, BMW, Dodge, and Nissan have all switched to using soy-based insulation on wiring in their vehicle models.

The problem of rodents damaging soy-based automotive wiring has become so widespread that some automakers have faced class-action lawsuits from owners over the issue.

So in summary, yes the use of soy-based insulation on wiring in modern vehicles from virtually all major brands has inadvertently made them more susceptible to rodent damage and related electrical problems.

[Red Badger]

Does Your Car Have Soy Based Wiring? [UPDATED 2023]

https://www.howtopreventratsfromeatingcarwires.com/2017/02/10/does-your-car-have-soy-based-wiring/

[bigbob]

Of course it was, also cost. Rodent will also gnaw on non-soy wire insulation, it’s just not as testy. Class action suits…

[whistleduck]

My rv was rendered inop due to mice feasting on wiring in engine and transmission. Two grand to repair. One season sitting outside near a woodpile was costly.

[Noumenon]

I had a snow bird neighbor lose a Honda that way.

[oldasrocks]

In year 2,000 they switched from petroleum based wire coating to soy based. Thereby creating a food source for mice etc.
After having the wiring eaten out of a vehicle twice i started using a small ozone machine under the hood. I have experience using ozone for smells and vermin control. So far so lucky.
I just put a small one under the hood and plug it in like you would an engine heater at night. Do the same with my PU out in the shed which sets for weeks or days between uses.