Audi are refusing to repair Clutch under warranty. Thoughts?

**gebbel** · 01-04-2010,12:42 PM

My mother's A4 gave out last week. It transpired that the clutch needs replacing. Audi have had the car checked out, and say that they will not repair it under warranty as the damage was caused by the driver. The cost of repair will be over €2000 here in Ireland. My folks are obviously livid and upset and have asked me to post a question here to get some opinions.

The car has 38,000 miles and was registered in the UK in August 2008. My mother has been driving since 1970 and for Audi to suggest that this clutch failure is due to her bad driving style has her upset to say the least.

Audi are sticking to their guns and the repair bill will not be paid by them. Are they right or should we explore legal avenues here?

Thanks in advance.

**sunil1234** · 01-04-2010,01:17 PM

Hi

Have u seen this thread?

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=87091

**gebbel** · 01-04-2010,05:30 PM

How can Audi state conclusively that the damage to the clutch is caused by driver misuse as opposed to defective parts. I ask this with a view to a legal challenge to their decision.

**gebbel** · 01-04-2010,06:54 PM

Duplicate post.

**kite** · 01-04-2010,08:21 PM

Isn't the clutch classed as a comsumable ?

**a8 tech** · 01-04-2010,08:29 PM

Correct, the clutch is classed as a wear and tear item therefore can only be replaced if consequential damage from another failure.
Example dual mass failure would permit the clutch replacement under normal warranty guidelines.
Its quite easy to determine clutch failure and the dealer would of course check for any other reason.

Again I must say I'm looking at the facts not the personal judgement of member's.

I would expect the outcome will be a discount on the parts and possible labour reduction but the dealer is well within there right to decline the warranty claim.

**gebbel** · 01-04-2010,08:29 PM

Originally Posted by kite

Isn't the clutch classed as a comsumable ?

I'm not sure. I'm just trying to understand their rationale in blaming the driver. Are they saying the clutch can not be damaged other than by a poor driving style? I mean, 37000 miles and a clutch failure in an Audi? What kind of poor driving could wreck a clutch? I can't fathom it.

The repair bill has been confirmed at €2250 and Audi will not budge even though there is 14 months left on the warranty.

**gebbel** · 01-04-2010,08:34 PM

Originally Posted by a8 tech

Correct, the clutch is classed as a wear and tear item therefore can only be replaced if consequential damage from another failure.
Example dual mass failure would permit the clutch replacement under normal warranty guidelines.
Its quite easy to determine clutch failure and the dealer would of course check for any other reason.

Again I must say I'm looking at the facts not the personal judgement of member's.

I would expect the outcome will be a discount on the parts and possible labour reduction but the dealer is well within there right to decline the warranty claim.

Thanks for the clarification A8 tech,

I haven't driven with my mother in about a decade so I am not in a position to critically analyze her driving style. However if it could be demonstrated that her style is flawed then I would have no problem accepting Audi's decision. I just want to be 100% convinced that they are right beyond reasonable doubt I suppose.

**a8 tech** · 01-04-2010,08:36 PM

riding the clutch when pulling away causing the lining to break away.Its very well documented due to many clutch assembly be returned and rejected so the dealer has the correct information to inspect the clutch.
If they replace and return to Audi then its inspected and highly likely to be rejected at the dealers expense.
Its very easy to determine by simply visually inspecting the plate and flywheel

**a8 tech** · 01-04-2010,08:40 PM

Attachment 8330

Attachment 8331

Attachment 8332

causes

Incorrect shifting

Rolling of the vehicle with pressed clutch at too high speed for the selected gear (gearbox drives the clutch plate).

As a result, the revolutions of the clutch plate become too high and the clutch plate breaks or bursts.

The revolutions of clutch plate and engine input shaft differ too much.

Long slip phase under high load (wheel spinning, lol)

This leads to the overheating of the clutch plate and the lining comes off.