NHTSA complaint #11707308

Owner complaint summary

Dear National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, I am submitting this email to formally report a potential vehicle safety defect involving my 2022 Toyota Corolla. Vehicle information: - Make/Model: 2022 Toyota Corolla - In-service date: 08/18/2022 My vehicle sustained significant wiring damage caused by rodents. Toyota has denied warranty and financial assistance, characterizing the issue as an “outside influence.” However, according to what I read online, modern vehicles —including Toyota models—use soy-based or bio-based wiring insulation, which is widely documented to attract rodents. The damage affected critical electrical wiring, creating potential safety hazards including loss of vehicle function and increased fire risk. This is not merely cosmetic damage but impacts essential vehicle systems. The foreseeability of rodent attraction due to wiring materials raises concerns of a design-related safety defect and failure to adequately warn consumers. Toyota has stated there are no recalls or customer support programs addressing this issue, despite recurring reports from vehicle owners nationwide. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter as a potential safety defect and consider whether further investigation is warranted. Thank you for your attention to this safety concern. Sincerely,