That's quite a strange one, I wouldn't have thought it was a problem with oil getting on to the clutch, as it wouldn't be as consistant as you say. The fact that it only starts to judder after you've done a lot of stop start driving leads me to think it's related to the temperature of the clutch.

Possibly the heat is affecting the friction plate behaviour or the pressure plate springs. Unfortunately I don't think you're going to find a solution for it other than to remove and inspect the clutch.

Another possibility is a weak or damaged engine or gearbox mount.

>> it's nearly 5 years old and has done only 37,000 miles

So previously owned by someone who only used it for short trips, probably around town with lots of gearchanges. Possibly one of the sort who also delights in sitting at lights in gear with the clutch down.

I'd suspect that the clutch cover's "tired" and/or the plate's glazed.

Hi, I've looked on various forums about this problem that's started on my car, but none of the circumstances are the same as with mine, so hope you can advise specifically. This is my third Avensis in past 8 years, so I know what's normal, and never had previous problems. Had this current Avensis (petrol 1.8) for just under 4 years; it's nearly 5 years old and has done only 37,000 miles (genuine I believe, only one previous owner).

The juddering problem started recently, at first it seemed to be intermittent, but I've now established a clear pattern. Most of the time everything is fine; can do longish runs eg 1-2 hours, motorway trips etc no problem. Stop, engage first gear, let the clutch out as normal - everything fine - until -

If I do trips which are stop-start - eg traffic congestion, driving through city centres, lots of traffic lights, rush hour driving etc, then everything ok for first 20 mins or so of that kind of use. Then first signs of judder arise when letting clutch out starting in first gear. As the stop-start traffic timescale increases, so the judder gets progressively worse. Eventually have to do extra blips of accelerator and balance clutch abnormally to overcome the increasing judder; try to get into second gear as fast as possible. Only occurs in first gear. Following day - back to square 1 - everything seemingly normal. Another long trip is ok. Stop-start traffic ok for first 20+ mins again, then the judder slowly arises again. Tried the checks for clutch slip, does not occur. Tried reverse gear (doesn't seem to judder, even when first has started juddering). Doesn't seem to occur in second gear. Planning to consult with a garage, but thought it's better to seek feedback here first - eg likely cause, possible rectification cost ? Thanks for any advice you can give.

Hi,

Did you ever find out what was causing this issue?

My 52 plate Avensis 1.8VVTI suffurs from exactly the same symptoms.

It started about 3-4 years ago and is only really a problem in heavy traffic. I took it into Mr Clutch about 2 years ago after a particullarly bad bout whilst I was on holiday and they could not find any issues.

If the car is moving it does not seem to be a problem

The car is infact now on its 3rd clutch despite having only covered 83,000 miles. The service record shows that the original one was replaced at 13,000 miles! Then replaced again at 36,000. Seems lick it might have been an issue from new.

Never had a car where a cluch has lasted less than 70,000 - 80,000 miles including hot hatches.

The local Toyota Main Dealer (Ipswich) has been useless and unhelpful,

With the common problem with the car drinking oil due to a faulty block and juddering front discs (now on the 6th set!!) and many other problems, I have completely been put off theToyota experience, and will never buy another.

Now thing of having the clutch replaced by Mr Clutch any way just to see if it fixes the issue!

If anyone can shed any light on this issue this would be a massive help.

Thanks

Andy

I'm having exactly the same problem. With the recent drop in temperature and short drives, the cold weather has had me fooled, thinking the clutch judder had dissappeared. Then today, with more driving and getting the car warm, the judder has now returned. My Corolla is a 2006 1.6VVTi. I was happy to see another poster mention engine mounts which is what i have been thinking - they get warm and soften.

The reason I thought of the engine mounts and not a heating clutch, was because it only happens after the car has been at max temp for a while, having me thinking this delay was the time it takes for the heat to travel to the mounts, being a longer distance than the clutch.

I'm at my wits end with it now, which is sad because it is the first Toyota i have ever had. I have to be really skilfull in trying to create a smooth pull away in 1st. One thing i did notice apart from heat was when the car was fully laden with people, it seemed to reduce the judder.

Anyway, maybe together we will eventually solve this problem. Thanks peeps.

Mark.