Why won't Alfa Romeo cover repairs to my 147's clutch under warranty?

At 31,907 miles on the clock, the clutch on my Alfa Romeo 147 JTD 1.9 seems to have failed. The dealer has said that if, on examination, it is clutch failure, then I am responsible. The car is within manufacturers' warranty. It may, of course, be another component that has caused the problem, in which case it will be a claim met under warranty. The vehicle clutch/transmission assembly is now in the process of being dismantled and I will know the outcome tomorrow. I had to give permission for this first. The cost to me of a new clutch is £850. If a new flywheel is needed, then that rises to £1500. In over 40 years of motoring, I have never worn a clutch out. I have referred the matter to Alfa Romeo in Italy. They have taken some details but thus far have not responded in any positive way. How should I proceed?

Asked on 14 July 2010 by blissful

Answered by Honest John
If the problem is the flywheel then that has to be covered under warranty, but the cost of the clutch component (not any of the labour) should be met by you. The labour would be necessary anyway to remove and replace the failed dual mass flywheel.
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