Freelander 2 2.2TDi clutch failure at 18,000 miles
Hi,
I'm asking on behalf of a friend who is not registered on the site. She took her Freelander 2 2.2TDi (2012, 18000 miles) back to the dealer yesterday due to a burning smell on driving.
The dealer has rung to say that a replacement clutch is required which will not be covered as it is due to "wear and tear". She has queried this and they are offering to strip the clutch to investigate further but with that are continuing to suggest this is wear and tear and cite "driving style" as a possible contribution. She has had many cars over the years, including a previous freelander and has not experienced premature clutch wear previously. It was bought second had with 13000 miles with no towbar fitted, she has subsequently towed 3-4 times without issue.
How should she proceed at this point? If the dealer proceeds to strip the clutch etc then presmably there will be significant labour costs incurred, and they will be the ones assessing whether this is wear and tear or not
Many thanks
Allan
I'm asking on behalf of a friend who is not registered on the site. She took her Freelander 2 2.2TDi (2012, 18000 miles) back to the dealer yesterday due to a burning smell on driving.
The dealer has rung to say that a replacement clutch is required which will not be covered as it is due to "wear and tear". She has queried this and they are offering to strip the clutch to investigate further but with that are continuing to suggest this is wear and tear and cite "driving style" as a possible contribution. She has had many cars over the years, including a previous freelander and has not experienced premature clutch wear previously. It was bought second had with 13000 miles with no towbar fitted, she has subsequently towed 3-4 times without issue.
How should she proceed at this point? If the dealer proceeds to strip the clutch etc then presmably there will be significant labour costs incurred, and they will be the ones assessing whether this is wear and tear or not
Many thanks
Allan
Asked on 15 April 2015 by allanj
Answered by
Honest John
Manufacturers always quote 'wear and tear' as the reason for a clutch failure because that gets them off the hook and forces the customer to pay. But with a diesel, if it is still under 3 year warranty, the dual mass flywheel or the clutch slave cylinder could have failed and caused consequential damage to the clutch, in which case it should be covered. So, if they strip the drivetrain down and pronounce the clutch burned out due to driver error, insist on being given the dual mass flywheel, the clutch and the clutch slave cylinder for independent testing. Then pay the bill (that could be as much as £1,800) and use an expert witness and the small claims track of the county court to sue for the return of the money, assuming, of course, that the independent witness finds fault with the DMF or clutch slave cylinder.
HJ
HJ
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