I Took My 2025 Toyota Camry In for a Simple Sensor Check Engine Light, But Now Toyota Says That Rodents Chewed the Wires and Warranty Won’t Cover It

Most of us expect that a check engine light is no big deal when it comes on within the first 20k miles. It might mean a loose gas cap or a fussy sensor. That’s what makes what happened to Nick Godfrey all the more surprising. While I found myself in the “2025+ Toyota Camry 9th Generation Owners Club” on Facebook, I came across his story: a seemingly routine visit for a light on the dash turned into a warranty denial over rodent-chewed wiring. Nick had taken in his 2025 Toyota Camry SE expecting a quick fix. But instead he left with unsettling evidence of shredded wires and a new insurance claim he never planned to file.

Here’s how Nick explained the situation in his own words:

"I got a ‘25 Camry SE with around 18,500 miles. The check engine light came on last week on Friday, so I called the dealer to schedule an appointment. They said to bring it first thing this morning (Monday). I put my code scanner to see what’s going on and it came back with two codes for the oil pressure/temperature sensor. Sensors fail sometimes, it’s no big deal, it’ll be covered under warranty. After waiting about an hour at the dealership, the service advisor comes out with pictures of wires all chewed up and says it’s rodent damage and NOT covered under warranty. They need to keep it for a while to determine whether or not it’s repairable or if the harness needs to be replaced and inspected for more damage. I’ve lived in this house for over 12 years and had over a dozen cars between the wife, the kids and myself and NEVER seen “rodent damage”. I’ve never seen a mouse or anything of the sort around here! The service advisor tells me that he’s heard that Toyota seems to have this happen more often than other brands and that there’s something in the wires that attracts rodents… This falls under comprehensive coverage with my insurance, but just what I need is a claim on my policy for all this…we already get bent over on insurance in Michigan as it is. So, keep an eye out for mice chewing up your electricals; according to this guy, Toyota has this happen often but they’re not going to cover it if it happens. Also, I’ve got a Hyundai Sonata for a rental and it seems like a nice car."

Rodents, Wires, and a Growing Problem

Nick’s frustration is more common than it may seem. Modern vehicles, especially those using eco-friendly soy-based wiring insulation, are increasingly falling victim to rodents that seem to love chewing through critical components. Toyota, along with other automakers like Honda and Subaru, have been quietly at the center of this debate. And for some drivers, the situation is worse than expected like in this story about a 2025 Toyota Camry that's been in the shop four times, with no clear fix in sight.

Mitch Pinson, a commenter under the post, was one of the first to chime in to offer his thoughts: “Darn. I'm curious how much it will all cost when they're finished repairing it and if it's worth a claim on your insurance.”

That’s a valid concern, especially when the damage might extend to hard-to-reach or expensive components like the engine control harness. Insurance can help, but at what cost to future premiums?

Clayton Sorensen added some eye-opening context: “I know Hyundai uses eco-friendly soy beans to make the insulation for their wiring harness. I used to work for a company that managed a fleet of 250K vehicles and rodents loved munching on Hyundais and the repairs normally cost in the thousands. I wonder if Toyota went the eco route on their wiring insulation as well.”

There’s growing suspicion among owners that Toyota has indeed adopted similar materials. This could explain why stories like Nick’s keep popping up. In fact, as Clayton pointed out, hybrid variants tend to fare even worse. Other issues were also echoed in another story about squeaky Camrys and transmission complaints, where owners discovered underlying issues far more complex than they expected.

Nadia GM, commenting from Canada, shared a larger-scale perspective: “Here in Canada, there is a huge recall and lawsuit on certain Honda vehicles because the casing around the wires were made with a base of soy that attracts rodents.”

Her insight speaks to how widespread and serious the problem has become. Lawsuits and recalls tied to rodent-prone wiring are no longer rare, yet they remain poorly understood by most consumers.

Joe Tagliavia’s experience adds even more gravity: “We had $13k damage to our Toyota Sienna earlier this year. They got the main engine harness and more. That's an $8k part. I paid out of pocket for rodent tape on all harnesses as a preventative. And now, I look under my hood once a week.”

Preventative measures like rodent tape and weekly inspections might sound extreme, but for people like Joe, they’ve become necessary habits to prevent future problems after big bills like that. Given that some owners report recurring issues even after repairs, this isn’t just about a single bad incident as it’s about adjusting to a new reality of ownership it seems.

A Bigger Pattern With Camry Ownership

And here’s the twist: this isn’t even the first time Toyota owners have voiced concerns over unexpected expenses. Camry drivers are starting to realize that ownership comes with more complications than advertised.

One driver recently shared their experience dealing with frustrations shared after six months of owning a 2025 Toyota Camry, pointing out that issues often fall through the cracks despite appearing minor. Meanwhile, a different post revealed how sudden insurance surprises after a delay in coverage affected the ownership experience. 

To put it in perspective, a Toyota technician even offered a detailed review of the 2025 Camry, revealing both strong points and hidden weaknesses adding another layer of insight to the complexities of the Camry.

Why This Story Reflects a Bigger Shift

In the middle of all this, Nick finds himself behind the wheel of a Hyundai Sonata rental and he admits it’s surprisingly nice. It’s a subtle but telling moment that sometimes it takes a service visit gone wrong for owners to see how other brands measure up, even if it’s just from the driver’s seat of a loaner. When your car is sidelined by something as small as a mouse and the brand won’t cover it, the experience in a competitor’s vehicle, even a temporary one, can leave a lasting impression.

I believe stories like Nick’s remind us that car ownership today is about more than just engines and MPG as it’s about understanding the unseen risks too. We spend so much time researching trim levels, tech packages, and resale values that we often overlook something as simple and devastating as a hungry rat under the hood. It’s a strange reality where a modern, $30,000 vehicle can be brought to its knees by something as small as this. And the fact that these types of failures are labeled as “not our problem” by the automaker tells us something about how warranty systems are still playing catch-up with the challenges of modern materials and eco-focused designs too. 

Key Takeaways for Toyota (and Other) Owners

• Rodent damage likely isn’t covered under warranty for most automakers, so assume responsibility even if you’re under mileage or time limits.
• Soy-based wiring insulation may be contributing to this issue, and it’s not unique to Toyota. Ask your dealer if your vehicle uses such materials.
• Check your insurance coverage for comprehensive clauses that include rodent damage. Filing a claim may help, but it could also raise your premiums.
• Preventative solutions exist, like rodent tape, peppermint sprays, or even hood inspections every week or two. They may seem tedious but could save you thousands in the long run.
• Read the fine print on what your warranty actually covers. Surprises like these often come down to technicalities and not mechanical fairness.

Now We Want to Hear from You

Have you ever dealt with rodent damage on your vehicle? And did your automaker cover it or leave you hanging?

Do you think automakers should re-engineer their materials to prevent this, even if it means stepping away from eco-friendly designs?

I'd like to hear your take in the comments below, so don't hesitate to share.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Toyota Gallery