'09 Vibe clutch or flywheel problems?

[peri]

We purchased a 2009 vibe new. It has 25k on it, and the clutch went out- towed to dealer. They say the clutch was "abused" and overheated the flywheel causing it to crack as well. Car has been serviced regularly, and has not been abused. Any thoughts- dealer will not cover under warranty or ext warranty.

[tpollauf]

Hello there fellow GenViber and Ohioan. Something is not right about this situation. First off regardless of "abuse, neglect,etc." this should be covered under warranty. Is your Vibe the 2.4L or the 1.8L engine? They will have a different clutch/flywheel setup. My 2009 Vibe is the GT and although very rarely driven (still @ 10K miles) there are no signs of clutch trouble. How did this problem become noticeable? Could it be possible that the clutch adjustment wasn't right from the beginning which then led to this problem? Could you "pop the clutch" when new & spin the tires with no problem? Somehow you need to convince the dealer & GM that this is a problem with the vehicle and NOT your driving practices. Need more info to better help you out (if at all). Let us all know here what's going on with this repair.

[star_deceiver]

The clutch is a wear item, like brakes and tires. It will not be covered unless you can somehow prove that your driving style is not to blame. Good luck, you'll need it! I drive like an idiot at times and like a bat-out-of-hell, my clutch sees high rpm fast downshifts at high speeds, and jack rabbit starts at times usually two or three times a day. I have been known to abuse the clutch but I don't rest my foot on the pedal nor do I drag out releasing it fully. I have 82000kms on my car. But abuse doesn't nessecarily come with speed. Riding the clutch will kill it in a hurry!My advice: Take another look at your driving style and clutching technique. Whether it's your fault or not, it never hurts to learn something new!

[eastsidegirl]

I own a 2003 Vibe GT. bought it brand new. 1st clutch went out under 10,00- miles - dealer replaced after a heated argument and several visits for repair (2nd gear syncros went out in tranny as well) Then two years later that clutch went out. I replaced with an aftermarket clutch ( a step up from OEM) That clutch too was going out - so my husband bought a racing puck system clutch, a heavy duty pressure plate, thinking that stepping up to the bigger badder system would solve this "clutch" issue........I have gone through 2 slave cylinders as well. The 03 Vibe GT's clearly have major issues with their clutches. I have driven a clutch most of my life & NEVER had to replace any of my clutches in previous cars - EXCEPT this one. I love, love, love my car, though...... I don't race it, I don't drive with my foot resting on the peddle, I know how to drive with a clutch. There are thousands of people who also have the same problem with the clutch systems with the GT's. It's NOT just us. The dealer always blamed "abuse" but when I left it with them for a week (w/o) a loaner and told the service manager to drive it back and forth to work and home - he agreed - it wasn't abuse from driving. This last clutch I had put in had issues from the start - making a horrible chatter from the throw-out bearing, it started making a hong/grunt type of noise when the clutch was let out and started to grab. After hours of conversations with the manufacturer company of the puck clutch - they just said "Clutches make sooome noise" I am frustrated beyond any words can say. As of two days ago, my 4th clutch (puck system) went out! It's ridiculous that this type of problem goes on and at the owners expense! Do I just replace the transmission & put in a new clutch? I'm very upset & don't have the money to go out and buy a new vehicle or mess with buying someone else's used vehicle - at least I know everything about my car and how it was maintained. HELP!!!