Rat Damage to Car Wiring: Signs, Prevention, Repair

Updated September 2026: in 2022 my Ford EcoSport showed a sudden error on the infotainment screen, was towed to an authorised service centre, and after a delay the cause turned out to be a rat chewing a wire, fixed cheaply without replacing parts. I have rewritten it into advice on preventing and dealing with rodent damage to car wiring.

An error message appeared on the infotainment screen without warning. The authorised service centre arranged a tow, and because many cars were waiting for regular service, diagnosis took time. Eventually the technician found a wire bitten by a rodent. It needed only a small repair, with no expensive parts.

Why do rodents chew car wiring?

Engine bays are warm and sheltered, which attracts rats, especially in cars parked for long periods. Some wiring insulation also appears to attract chewing. The damage can cause warning lights, electrical faults or a car that will not start.

What are the signs of rodent damage?

Sudden, unrelated warning messages or electrical faults.
Droppings, nesting material or chewed insulation under the bonnet.
A burning smell, or a car that will not start after being parked.

How can you prevent it?

Drive the car regularly; cars parked for weeks are most at risk.
Keep the parking area clean, with no food waste nearby.
Close off the engine bay where possible, and check under the bonnet periodically.
Ask the service centre about protection, such as protective tape or mesh for vulnerable wiring.

Does insurance cover rodent damage?

It depends on your policy. Some full-cover (own-damage) policies or add-ons cover it, while others exclude it. Check your policy wording before paying for a large repair, and photograph the damage.

What should you do if a warning appears while driving?

Pull over safely and note the message. If the car drives normally and the warning is not about brakes, steering or overheating, you can usually continue carefully to a workshop. If in doubt, call the manufacturer's roadside assistance, which is how I got my car towed without risking further damage.

Should you go to an authorised centre?

For electrical faults, often yes, as they have diagnostic tools for the model. In my case, a potentially worrying fault turned out to be a simple repair once properly diagnosed.