Hi everyone, 

I am just looking for some advice really on what to do best. On Friday 30th April my car wouldn't build up any speed and wouldn't go past 40mph, then when I stopped the car the smell was horrendous burning (clutch smell). The car has done 8,000 miles and Audi are now saying it's drivers fault (I've had the car 10 months and know how to drive, I don't ride the clutch like they are making out) audis warranty is only covered up to 6,000 miles and are saying it's a wear and tear item. But at 8,000 miles surely it isn't wear and tear? I'm just wondering if anyone else has had any problems with their clutch or if anyone has any advice? 

Hello Charlotte, 

Many thanks for being in touch with the forum, and sorry to hear of your issue.

When you say the car won’t go more than 40mph, could you confirm that if you attempt to increase that speed, the engine revs. increase, but the car doesn’t accelerate - as would be typical of clutch slip. Also that the car will indeed go above 40 mph down hill, but possibly not even 40 -up hill. 
Others may confirm or refute, but I think I recall a similar issue with another forum member within the last 18months. 
What to do from here if it actually clutch slip:-

Continue to badger Audi for a sensible resolution - which may include a partial payment towards the costs. 

Take a small claims court action against the dealer you bought it from. ( CAB should be able to advise).

If these fail, then it could be a matter of biting the bullet and getting it sorted at an independent - possibly using the far cheaper LUK aftermarket parts. 
Perhaps you could let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Hi Gareth 

Yes, sorry to confirm it was a clutch slip. It was still driveable but could only use up to  3rd gear. 
I am at a loose end with Audi, I thought a 2019 car would have been very reliable. 
 

Thank you so much for your advice

charlotte x

On 5/6/2021 at 8:59 AM, Charlotte Louise said:

Hi Gareth 

Yes, sorry to confirm it was a clutch slip. It was still driveable but could only use up to  3rd gear. 
I am at a loose end with Audi, I thought a 2019 car would have been very reliable. 
 

Thank you so much for your advice

charlotte x

Hi,

Same issue, 2019 model, had the car from new, only covered 24k miles. Never had an issue with a burnt out clutch before so not down to driving style.

Audi UK state it’s a wear and tear part but I’ve never know clutches to go so soon in all my 37 years of driving.

Now awaiting how much this will cost. How did you resolve the matter with Audi?

Shane Davies.

Hello Shane,

Sorry to hear of your issue. My money is not on clutch wear as we know it, but the clutch friction plate and pressure plates being sprayed with clutch fluid from a failed ‘release bearing’ assembly ( slave as we used to call it), - now inside the bell housing- which has been a common issue with many marques. 
If it were mine:- Audi clutch prices can seriously damage your wallet - even if they do make some good will gesture. Well worth getting a quote from your trusted local garage, but insist they use LUK or Sachs parts. 
Perhaps you could let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

34 minutes ago, Magnet said:

Hello Shane,

Sorry to hear of your issue. My money is not on clutch wear as we know it, but the clutch friction plate and pressure plates being sprayed with clutch fluid from a failed ‘release bearing’ assembly ( slave as we used to call it), - now inside the bell housing- which has been a common issue with many marques. 
If it were mine:- Audi clutch prices can seriously damage your wallet - even if they do make some good will gesture. Well worth getting a quote from your trusted local garage, but insist they use LUK or Sachs parts. 
Perhaps you could let us know how you get on.

Kind regards,

Gareth. 

Thanks Gareth, just waiting on a phone call from a local clutch specialist instead of using the Audi dealer. As you say it will be very expensive with Audi.

Hello Shane,

Personally, I would steer clear of clutch specialists, based on they will have their own choice of clutch components which could be highly price influenced rather than quality biased. 
They will probably promise you everything you ask for, but you’ve no idea how much of it will actually materialise. 
Repeating - if it were mine…….

Kind regards,

Gareth.

On 11/8/2022 at 4:24 PM, Magnet said:

Hello Shane,

Personally, I would steer clear of clutch specialists, based on they will have their own choice of clutch components which could be highly price influenced rather than quality biased. 
They will probably promise you everything you ask for, but you’ve no idea how much of it will actually materialise. 
Repeating - if it were mine…….

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Hi Gareth,

The car has now been repaired. Not by Audi due to the charge just to look at the vehicle and the overall cost to repair the car. The mechanic said he couldn’t really tell how it had happened due the clutch being so burnt out. He did say it could be my wife’s driving style just as Audi had blamed the lady who’s car had only covered 8,000 miles. Obviously my wife disagrees as she has driven for over thirty years with no clutch issues. What she has noticed is how lighter the clutch is now the car has been repaired. She also noticed the clutch was lighter on the car she drove whilst hers was being repaired as well. Perhaps this has something to do with why the clutch is failing prematurely on these models. Thank you for your input.

Regards

Shane.