Hawaii Class Action Suit Against Subaru Distributor Claims Parts Attracted Rats

A Maui resident has filed a class-action lawsuit against a Hawaii Subaru distributor, claiming soy-based insulation in wiring and fuel hoses attracted rats that damaged her car.

In the lawsuit filed against Servco Subaru Inc. earlier this week, attorneys representing Diane Shuey claim the car company changed their products to use a material that attracts rodents, Hawaii News Now reported .

Shuey bought a new Subaru Forester in 2015 and started experiencing damage from rats a couple of months later.

“It was a nightmare after just two months of driving this thing, and it has continued for two years,” Shuey said. “I love my Subaru. I’m so frustrated and I’m very disappointed in Subaru Corporation.”

Shuey said the rat-related issues were not covered by the warranty and cost her more than $3,000 in repairs.

Chris Bouslog, an attorney representing Shuey, said say rodent damage on cars is not uncommon. The lawsuit seeks a full refund for the cars.

“Cars have been coming in for this kind of repair and this kind of obvious rodent damage,” Bouslog said.

Company officials declined to comment on the specifics of the suit, but provided a statement.

“Our customers and their safety are our priority and, as we do with all vehicle complaints, our policy is to work with each customer to try to reach a mutually agreeable resolution,” the company said in the statement.