George McDowall
Email
Q
My 2005 Hyundai Elantra has had two clutches, one at 17,600 km and another at just over 46,000 km. Hyundai agreed to cover the first replacement under warranty as a 'goodwill gesture', but have refused warranty coverage for the second. They said that clutches are 'wear and tear' items and as such not covered. It was suggested that my driving style could be a contributing factor to the premature clutch wear, but I have owned a number of manual transmission cars in my 43 years of driving, and several have done over 75,000 km or more without needing to have a clutch replaced. Have you heard of any similar problems with this model Elantra?
Graham Smith
Ask Smithy
A
We haven't had any significant reports of premature clutch wear on the Elantra, but it is an issue that seems to be creeping into the car business generally. We have had numerous reports of premature clutch wear on a number of makes and models, such that it could be concluded that carmakers are cutting back on clutches in order to save money. Two clutches in less than 50,000 km is not fair wear and tear, and I would be having Hyundai or its dealer show me the worn parts and justify to me that it isn't a component problem and their responsibility.
