Clutch worn out, not covered under warenty

[Linda1310]

Hi,

I have a Kia Rio, had from new, just under 2 years old, done 19k miles and the clutch has worn out and they won't replace it under the 3 year warrenty as its 'wear and tear', I don't accept this! I don't ride the clutch, rarely do 'city' driving and in 25 years of driving, mostly with much older cars I have never had to replace a clutch, I am no expert whatsoever, putting petrol in and checking the oil and water is about my limit so I'd appreciate any advice from someone more knowledgable please! thanks,

Linda

[GSM7554]

i had the same problem with my chrysler,when the clutch burnt out on 18,000 miles,the garage said no,so i contacted chrysler direct and threatened to go to the motoring press etc,they soon replaced it.if you have a 3 yr,unlimited milage warranty then they should replace it,free of charge.

[stanleyman]

Whilst I would accept that you don't abuse the clutch it's a bit difficult convincing someone who you want to pay for it. Some new cheaper cars unfortunatley are not built as well as they could be and you have to pay the price. It's worth asking how long a clutch on this car should last and argue that it must have been badly adjusted and was slipping.

[dilligaf]

"Wear and tear" is a good opt out of a warranty. We all know that but the trouble is trying to prove otherwise.

[Frankieola]

In the trade and most warranties will work on the same principle, It is important that you contact the manufacturer's customer services and ask them what they would consider as FAIR wear and tear for the clutch.

If it were to be, say 20,000 miles, it would not be covered as it is a wear and tear item that the efficiency of will decrease over time and failure will eventually happen around 20,000 miles.

HOWEVER, If it were to be deemed that the clutch should last for 60,000 miles, you could argue that it should be covered as yours has gone at 19 and you would expect it to last longer than that.

Ultimately, It will depend on the attitude of the manufacturer and how interested they are in keeping their customers happy.