2005 Toyota RAV4 Flywheel/Clutch

GESSY.W

MEMBER
2005 TOYOTA RAV4

Warranty problem
2005 Toyota Rav4 Manual 19,550 miles

I brought the above car from a Toyota dealers in May O8, with a 12 month warranty. I have only done 7,500 miles since I brought it. I noticed that the car had no grip in bad weather conditions, so I had the RAC look at it. He discovered the clutch was slipping, so I took it into Toyota for repair. They took photo's of the clutch stripped down and sent them off to an independant inspector. The result of the findings was that the flywheel was broken. They said the warranty would cover the labour and cost of the flywheel but I would have to pay for the clutch.

Am I right in thinking that, if the flywheel cracks or breaks, it would badly damage the clutch.

The inspector said that there was wear and tear on the clutch. However, I think this is unreasonable, due to the age of the car, the milage and the fact that the flywheel was broken.

Please help.

Many thanks
Gessy

1 Reply

MMPRINCE4000

MECHANIC
8,549 POSTS

Yes, the flywheel probably did cause the clutch to go out.

However, Toyota is sticking to the letter of the warranty, which will state that the clutch is considered a "consumable" like brake pads, and unless they see a manufacturing defect, it would not be covered.

Since they have to remove the clutch to get to the flywheel (and would have to reinstall the clutch even if it was good), they should just charge you for the part (clutch assy).
They should not charge for clutch labor.

I would also insist that they discount the part, at least 25%.

Your only recourse would be to either sue them, or go to a higher level within Toyota.
Try working with them, before you go the legal route. And I have to say that it would be hard to prove that the flywheel was the absolute cause of the clutch failure.

Clutch life is (assuming no defects) totally dependant on driving style. I have seen clutches last the life of the car and others that last less than 5,000 miles. That will be Toyota's defense.