Rivian Technician Discovered a Mouse Nest in My R1T And Said The Electrical Damage Is Extensive, Totaling Over $11,000

You think you're prepared for anything when you own two of the most advanced electric adventure vehicles on the road. But no matter how high-tech your garage might be, one unexpected visitor can take it all down, quietly, invisibly, and with a price tag that makes your jaw drop.

That’s what happened to Adam Mungo, a Rivian owner whose dream setup of an R1T and R1S was going smoothly until a mysterious smell and a few rodent droppings turned into a full-blown electrical disaster. The culprit? A tiny mouse with expensive taste and excellent hiding skills. 

“First off, I want to say that I love my Rivian R1T,” Adam wrote in the RIVIAN Electric Vehicles Discussion group on Facebook.

“In fact, my wife loved it so much that we ended up getting her the R1S, so we’re officially a two-Rivian family. For the most part, our experience with Rivian has been fantastic; any issues that came up were handled quickly and professionally, and we've been really happy overall. That said, I recently experienced a surprising issue that I think is worth sharing, not to criticize the brand (because I’m still a huge fan), but to raise awareness.

Somewhere along the way during my travels, I must’ve picked up a mouse. For over a month, I noticed a faint odor now and then, and occasionally found droppings, but despite searching thoroughly, I couldn’t find the source. Then, last week, I got a warning message about an electrical issue and was told to bring the truck to a Rivian Service Center immediately. They towed it in, props to them for being responsive, and while that particular issue turned out to be unrelated to the mouse, the technicians discovered a nest and significant droppings during the inspection.

I approved further diagnostics, and today I got the call: the electrical damage is extensive, totaling over $11,000 in repairs caused by the mouse. Thankfully, it looks like my insurance may cover at least part of it, but it does make me wonder, how can a vehicle built for rugged, off-road adventure be so vulnerable to something as small as a mouse?

Again, this isn’t a complaint post, I remain loyal to the brand and hope to stay that way, but I wanted to share my experience in case others have faced something similar or if Rivian is listening and can offer some insight or support.”

Adam’s post quickly gained traction. And for good reason, his story hits a nerve for any EV owner who parks outdoors, near trees, or on rural property. You can have the most capable truck on the planet and still be blindsided by something smaller than your key fob.

This wasn’t about a faulty design or a defective part. It wasn’t a charging station glitch, like in this Rivian R1T trip that ended with a Level 3 charger failure. It was nature doing what it does best, getting into places it doesn’t belong.

Rodents Are Equal Opportunity Destroyers

As strange as it sounds, Adam’s experience is far from isolated. In fact, multiple owners in the same Facebook thread shared similar stories from across different brands and models.

Rick commented under Adam’s post with a reminder that this issue isn’t exclusive to Rivian: “Every vehicle has wiring, and rodents like mice, rats, chipmunks, and squirrels have a well-known habit of chewing through them. It’s a common issue across the automotive world, and these critters don’t discriminate based on brand. Whether you drive a budget commuter or a high-end electric truck, if a rodent gets in, your wires are fair game.”

That warning rings especially true for EV owners, who often assume their futuristic vehicles are immune to old-school problems. But modern cars, including EVs, use soy-based insulation in their wiring for environmental reasons, something rodents seem to find quite tasty.

And it’s not just Rivian. In fact, a commenter named Aaron chimed in with a Tesla-related story: “My friend was just telling me the same issue with his Tesla. The mouse ate through some of the high voltage cables, bricking the car. It happens to every vehicle. Yours appears to be a massive infestation. Wherever you park, be sure to treat for mice. And no way would any car manufacturer cover these repairs. Should be covered under insurance, depending on your policy.”

That last point matters. No automaker is going to take the hit for rodent-related repairs. Even if you’re dealing with a cracked glass roof or broken trim from factory issues, those are covered under warranty. Chewed wires from pests? That’s your insurance’s problem..

Still, this issue hits harder when you’ve just upgraded. One reader may recall how this Tesla Model 3 owner traded up to an R1S and called it a massive upgrade. Now imagine finding your dream truck totaled by a mouse.

Mice Love Soy-Based Wiring, And They’re Not Alone

So why does this happen more now than before? The answer is in the wiring. As manufacturers have shifted toward soy-based materials for insulation, it's created an unintentional snack bar for rodents.

Eric shared a detailed post with some helpful insight from his own experience: “I decided not to park any of my vehicles on my rural property/farmland unless I have an enclosed building and bucket traps inside the building to deal with them. (Though I have heard if you park away from the trees more in the open, the mice are less of a problem). But those new wires made of a soy composite attract those mice. I noticed that I never had too extensive damage to my vehicles. Most I had was a chewed-up windshield washer hose. Luckily, I found the mouse in my work van before too much damage. The wires is one thing, the urine and poop inside components and the HVAC system is the worst, and bad for your health. I can confirm those bucket traps do work. Sorry to the little guys, but your life isn't worth tens of thousands in damage. Hope the insurance works out for you.”

It’s gross, but it’s real. Urine and droppings inside HVAC vents? That’s a health hazard, not just a maintenance issue.

And it's not the only hidden hazard. In other stories we’ve covered, like when an owner took their Cybertruck off-roading and ended up with cracked fenders and dented panels, the damage is visible and explainable. But when it’s internal, slow-building, and smells like something died in your dashboard, the stress hits different.

Tips for EV Owners to Avoid Rodent Mayhem

This isn’t just a warning, it’s a call to action for any EV driver, especially if you live in a rural or semi-rural area.

Here are a few smart steps to keep your vehicle protected:

• Park in enclosed structures whenever possible, especially during cold months.
• Avoid parking near shrubs or trees, where mice love to build nests.
• Use peppermint oil, mothballs, or commercial repellents in and around your vehicle.
• Consider under-hood rodent repellent tape, which has capsaicin (the same stuff in hot peppers).
• Check your engine bay regularly if you smell something odd or see droppings.
• Set up bucket traps or electronic deterrents in garages or barns.

It’s a simple equation: prevention is far cheaper than repair.

And don’t assume brand reputation protects you. Whether your EV has a Ford badge, a Tesla logo, or a backlit Rivian “R,” the rodents don’t care. They just want warm shelter, and wires to gnaw on.

Who Covers the Bill?

The good news, as Adam mentioned, is that comprehensive car insurance may cover rodent damage. But it’s not always clear-cut. Some policies include animal damage explicitly. Others don’t.

If you’re not sure what your policy includes, now’s the time to call your agent and ask. Because as Adam’s story proves, a rodent infestation can go from a vague smell to an $11,000 repair bill in no time.

Not sure how this stacks up with other real-world challenges Rivian owners are facing? You might be interested in this story about EV owners left stranded by broken Level 3 chargers and ChargePoint failures.

Nature Doesn’t Care About Tech

If there’s a deeper takeaway here, it’s that no matter how far we’ve come in automotive innovation, the natural world hasn’t gone anywhere. And sometimes, a mouse can do more damage than a pothole or a software bug.

EV ownership comes with many perks, but it also entails new and existing responsibilities. While many of us spend time worrying about battery degradation, cracked glass roofs, or even charger availability, there’s a silent battle happening just under the hood.

A battle we don’t see until it’s too late.

Final Thoughts: When a Mouse Crashes the Party

Adam’s story is a powerful reminder that even when everything seems perfect, when you’ve got the truck of your dreams, when your family loves their SUV, when you’ve finally left gas pumps behind, unexpected surprises can still strike. And they don’t always come from broken tech or failed infrastructure. Sometimes, they have fur and whiskers.

If you've ever been through something similar, you know the gut punch that comes with seeing your vehicle on a flatbed, knowing the damage came from something so small, yet so costly.

As the EV world grows and more people trade in their gas cars for electric ones, let’s not forget that even the smallest enemies can be the most expensive.

What Do You Think?

Have you ever had a rodent infestation or chewed wiring in your car, EV or not?
Do you use traps, sprays, or other methods to protect your vehicles from critters?

Let us know in the comments, we’d love to hear your stories, tips, or cautionary tales.

Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.