Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Wed 17 Aug 2005 20:52
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - dodgyflywheel
Last June I bought a brand new Toyota Avensis T2 2.0 D4D and have been exceptionally happy with it until yesterday when, with no warning the clutch went. The vehicle has only just limped over 11k miles. Talking to my main Toyota dealer, they feel it is driver error - no surprise there - but, talking to another dealer he suggests there may be a problem with the fly wheel as he has repaired two vehicles with similar mileage/age.

I'm starring at a bill for just under £1400 to replace the clutch and fly wheel. I would be astonished if the final outcome proves to be driver error so wonder whether anyone out the may have experienced a similar problem and been succesful with a warranty claim?

Thanks.
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Wed 17 Aug 2005 21:03
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - blue_haddock
I'm not aware of a problem on this car but get Toyota customer services involved as even colin mcrae would struggle top burn a clutch out that quickly.
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Wed 17 Aug 2005 21:08
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - dodgyflywheel
Thanks for that, I have got the parts being sent off for testing but the dealer is trying to cover his back. He even told me that the clutch is so delicate these days that a tiny ballet dancer with little feet would probably burn it out over a mere few miles. Surely that's not good news for the OE manufacturer! Wish they'd told me I needed a new clutch more often than a service when I bought it!
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Wed 17 Aug 2005 21:34
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - blue_haddock
I've seen these vehicles driven hard with the clutch taking a lot of abuse and haven't had a problem with them. Also a lot of the taxi drivers around my area drive them too and i'm sure if they were prone to expensive clutch failure they wouldn't be using them.
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Wed 17 Aug 2005 21:38
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Adam {P}
You're being given the runaround.

There is no way that any car let alone a Toyota should have a clutch failure that early.

What are you supposed to have done to the clutch? Even riding it and resting your foot on it for a year won't have wrecked it that early on.

How come driving instructor's cars don't destroy the clutch after a year? And we're talking crappy little Fiestas here not Toyotas.

Although - you didn't need me to tell you all that!
--
Adam
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 18:58
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - cheddar
year? And we're talking crappy little Fiestas here not Toyotas.


Why should a Fiesta clutch last less well than a Toyota clutch? that's right, there is no reason at all.
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 19:02
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Adam {P}
I don't quite know what I meant. I mean - if you ask someone what they think a reliable car is, a Toyota is likely to rank a lot higher than a Fiesta whether it be true or not.

But you are right - there's no reason for it last any longer than any other car at mileages as low as these.

P.S. Thanks DD for sorting the crazy italics on my post.
--
Adam
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 22:12
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - AndyT
I know a guy with a RAV4 D4D, same thing happened, flywheel was replaced at a cost of around £1500.
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 11:09
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Bill Payer
... but the
dealer is trying to cover his back. He even told me that the clutch is
so delicate these days that a tiny ballet dancer with little feet would probably burn
it out over a mere few miles.


Only just seen this, but if the dealer said *anything* like that then I'd be asking for my money back as the car is not Fit for Purpose.
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Mon 28 Nov 2011 17:23
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - birdieman

I have a similar problem currently on a Toyota Yaris and am looking at £1000 on a car that has covered only 18000 mls

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Wed 17 Aug 2005 22:42
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - dodgyflywheel
I'm convinced that it is not driving style. I've never had a clutch go before and that's with over 20 years' of driving. Most of which were as a rep! I am really struggling to come to terms with the voice of the dealership and would love to know if anyone else has suffered the same or been told similar by the dealer.
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Wed 17 Aug 2005 22:48
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Aprilia
Who is testing the parts? Not Toyota I hope - otherwise the conclusion *will* be misuse. Get an independent engineer (properly qualified - CEng) to check it out for you.
Almost certainly not misuse.
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Wed 17 Aug 2005 22:56
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - dodgyflywheel
In the first instance it will have to be dealt with by Toyota and I have no confidence in its ability to give a fair appraisal so have demanded that when they 'almost certainly' put it down to driver error then I want the parts returned to me and I will take the action you suggest - thanks. I think that LUK is the manufacturer OE on this model but, it could be the fly wheel that is causing the problem. I have no idea who built that! Anyway, I'm sure to have a bit of fun trying to get my money back from them!
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Wed 17 Aug 2005 23:05
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Aprilia
Are these cars fitted with dual-mass flywheel? If so, then start the investigation there.....
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 10:36
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - helicopter
The advice given by Blue_Haddock is spot on.

No way is this driver fault - they are feeding you a load of bull.

Go to the dealer and insist that they contact Toyota Customer Services on your behalf with you there and complain long and hard.I am very surprised that they are taking this line and I would be even more surprised if you do not get full repair costs and a loan car.

The original Yaris my wife owned had two clutches in two years under warranty without a quibble from the dealer.

Keep pushing them hard and let us know what happens.
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 11:27
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Altea Ego
It is possible to burn out a clutch in under 10k miles, in fact probably in under 1000 miles, but only by systematic, wilfull and deliberate abuse.

This in effect is what the garage is accusing you of.

I would be rather angry annoyed and upset if they accused me of this, and I suggest you become just as annoyed angry and upset.

same applies to the Mazda in the other thread.
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 11:46
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - alex

Re: "I'm staring at a bill for just under £1,400 to replace the clutch and fly wheel ..."

---------------------------------------------------

But I thought Toyota vehicles were economical to service and repair .... ?
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 12:29
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Leon on Derv
£1400 - come on Toyota....

Performance clutch & lightened flywheel into a performance motor maybe but surely the Avensis (and Mazda from the other thread) clutches are only keeping 130 odd Bhp in check - personally i wouldn't mess about - park it on their forecourt hand them the keys and tell them to call you when the ink has dried on the cheque.

If they can make a timing belt / chain last 120,000 surely they can engineer a clutch to last 50,000 without needing to drive the car like an fairy.

Leon
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 13:21
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - dodgyflywheel
I'm not sure, is the answer but it does appear to have caused the problem. I'm no mechanic but I was under the impression that these cars were bomb proof.
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 13:15
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - dodgyflywheel
Thanks for the support everyone, will let you know how I get on.
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 13:27
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Sprice
>>But I thought Toyota vehicles were economical to service and repair .... ?

They are reliable yes, but not the cheapest brand when parts or servicing are required!
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 17:43
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Gazza
What specifically are the problems associated with dual-mass fly-wheel? Lots of engines have them these days so could the fly-wheel be a potential future liability?

Many thanks, Gazza
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Thu 18 Aug 2005 19:02
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - cheddar
A clutch should last for tens of 000's of miles though, as RF says, can be worn out early by abuse, as of course can brakes and tyres, hence most dealers opening gambit will be "wear and tear sir".

Pushing the point with the dealer principal and or the manufacturers customer services should get a result in both of these cases.
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Wed 5 Sep 2007 23:48
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - bermo
Hi, I know it is a bit late for you, but I have the same problem today. My Toyota Avensis is 3yrs 9months old and 15 months ago was fitted with a new clutch and fly wheel. Today I have been quoted £1400 + for the same problem. I have tried to gain some redress to the previous repair without success. Has anyone had any joy in proving a problem with the Toyota Avensis in respect of faulty clutch and fly-wheel. I have been driving for over 40years without a clutch problem in any other car.
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 00:43
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - wazza
I have a 1996 mk1 mondeo 1.8 turbo diesel. Years ago i was reading through the workshop manual and was unhappy to find it is fitted with a dual-mass flywheel. Was not looking forward to the time when i have to replace the clutch, it is a big job, engine out. Well my car has travelled 127,000 miles and is still on the original clutch/flywheel and it is a Ford. Your toyota should easily do more than that. Especially when you consider the dual-mass flywheel technology has been out for at least 12 years.


i have spoken to few mates who drive the new avensis diesels for taxi. They have no main problems with the clutch. Only complain they have is when they press/release the clutch pedal the spring makes a squeaky noise.
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 00:48
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - wazza
Just read this in HJ's car breakdown about avensis

''Clutches can fail quite early. Clutch trouble with T180 due to a problem with the master cylinder, not the clutch itself, clutch release or slave cylinder.''

www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=635&

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Thu 6 Sep 2007 07:04
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - mlj
I would also suggest searching the Toyota owners forum: Avensis section. You will, I expect, find useful information about what is not an unknown Toyota failure. Good luck.
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 09:44
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Collos25
Taxi drivers in the Leeds area keep away from the new Avensis because of quality problems regarding the clutch/flywheel/mastercylinder according to an operator know with large number of vehicles,his vehicle of choice for work is a Nissan 2.2dci I think last time I looked it is coming up to 300,000miles
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Thu 6 Sep 2007 11:18
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - retgwte
sounds like a bad toyota dealer, which is unusual

toyota are pretty good at looking after customers within the guarantee period if serviced correctly

i know ive had new disks and pads a few times (different cars) within the first 3 years of ownership, which most of the other mass manufacturers would have charged for as wear and tear

i would be finding myself a better toyota dealer from now on



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Thu 6 Sep 2007 11:22
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - retgwte
post at

toyotaownersclub.com/forums/

see what they think?

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Wed 5 Aug 2009 23:47
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - dannydandan
My 2005 Avensis (40000 miles) is due back from the garage tomorrow after having a new clutch. Originally, the mechanic (ex-Honda main dealer) was stunned to see a Avensis with a clutch problem.

Turned out that the cause was an oil seal failure at the rear of the engine that sprayed oil all over the clutch. The oil wrecked the clutch, not driving style.

I was just really unlucky. Have they checked for this because all symptoms were identical to normal clutch failure?

Interestingly, he mentioned prior to diagnosing the cause of fault, that modern clutches are exceptionally sensitive. Even lightly touching the clutch peddle when driving or occasional riding of the clutch can be fatal in a very short space of time.

However, sounds like your main dealer wants to test your resolve and are probably waiting to see if your one of the 85% of people who accept what they say or whether your the 15% that will challenge them. Proceed immediately with written correspondence only. Get an AA independent inspection. Contact consumer direct. Deal with managing director only from the outset in writing. Keep writing back challenging them on every point. Ask for written explanation as to cause of failure.

Listen to the other folkes, its nothing to do with your driving style! Total rubbish.

Good luck.

P.S. my clutch cost £500
Flywheel (if necessary) wud have cost £600


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Thu 6 Aug 2009 13:28
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Snakey
My 2004 1.8 petrol Avensis had a new clutch under warranty. The Toyota dealers were fairly reluctant even though the car was only 14 months old, with 14k on it and bought from them only about 3-4 months previously.

Took quite a bit of argument and persuasion to get the replacement and hence I've avoided that dealership since. Modern clutches do seem to be pathetically fragile. My X Type diesel has just had a clutch and flyhweel at 40k miles.
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Sun 5 Sep 2010 14:35
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - JMVP
I bought a 2006 Avensis tourer 2.2D4D t3s from a main dealer in june 2009.

What a nightmare this car has been, I've owned toyota's for years and this has been in the garage more than 20 occasions.

The original problem when we bought the car was that the clutch would not engage low gears very well when the car was cold, as we live on a steep hill this was more of an issue, by the time we could get it into 2nd it had run out of steam, it would also stick and the biting point would be at the floor one minute then move about at different times.

The Mileage at the time of purchase was 48k and was just 3 years old.

it's been in for the following replacement parts:

Master Cylinder.
Clutch.
Flywheel.
Gear linkages.
water pump replaced due to leak.
Sump removed and re-sealed due to leak.

it's now out of warranty and I'm having the same problem with it.....

Will be taking the car back to the Toyota dealer where I bought it and writing a strong letter to Toyota and see what they say.

Anyone else had this amount of issues with this model?
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Wed 30 Jan 2013 20:20
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Mr Fox

Anyone else had this amount of issues with this model?

Yes I had a 55 Reg 2.2 D4d T4 Estate, and just after the warranty expired, 70 K miles literally days after its 3rd birthday, the clutch became stiff and erratic to operate.

They replaced a load of stuff and the bill was £1300.

I then decided no more Toyotas.

This was reinforced when the car was 4 years old, and started to leak oil " nothing to do with the repair " so I got Rid of it.

I also had an 04 reg 2.0 d4d and that was fine for 90 K miles, so it depends I guess. Anyhow I'd rather have a VW mainly due to the garage being much more courteous and helpful. The Toyota garage has now gone out of business, and is a Mike Brewer Motors site

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Mon 28 Nov 2011 20:24
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - V4 Heaven

My old skool Toyota Carina 1.8 petrol is on its original clutch at 160,000 miles. Fingers crossed! This news puts me off changing up to a newer one.

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Mon 28 Jan 2013 11:05
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Palladium2013

I have had 3 Avensis, latest one is 2006 and have had a clutch problem with all three! One was replaced under warranty, the next limped along until PX for a newer one and I am suffering now with this one with 55000 miles done. Lots of juddering on take off particularly in wet or cold weather so I am suspecting the flywheel! I think it is a feature of the Avensis clutch! Complaints to the dealership seem to get nowhere. Any suggestions?

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Mon 28 Jan 2013 12:38
Clutch Problems on Toyota Avensis - Snakey

I had a 2004 1.8 Avensis and it was a nightmare. In the 14 months I owned it, it spent 35 days in the garage. Clutch problems, leaks, melting headlight and the most difficult to trace was an ill fitted windscreen that whistled incredibly loudly at anything above 50mpg. The dealership were apathetic at best and I eventually ditched the car and never bothered with toyota's again.

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