2004 Tiburon - Trans. Problems

Don't accept that unless they can clearly show that the clutch has been abused. If they won't cover it, complain to Hyundai. For that matter, I would contact Hyundai now, so they can contact the dealer and tell them to cover it if there is no evidence of abuse.

On the other hand, if they can show you that she "cooked" or wore out the clutch due to poor technique or abuse (such as slipping the clutch when stopped on hills, rather than using the brake), she deserves to pay for it.

Oh, woman driver alert!!! Translate that as "dumb ass woman driver," and that is the general attitude of the dealership. Daughter has been driving standard shift autos since she was 16. She is 40 now. She has driven jeeps, high performance hopped up Chevy's, pickup trucks, and a Honda Del Sol (she put 135,000 miles on it) and has NEVER had a clutch problem. But, unfortunately, that is our word against Hyundai and the dealership.

Watch this space for future developments and rants.

Super Glide

Clutch warranty against wear: 1 yr/12k miles Clutch warranty against defect: 10 yrs/100k miles for original owner, 5 yrs/60k miles subsequent owners. Off the top of my head, I don't know whether the flywheel is considered part of the powertrain, but there is no issue with wear if the flywheel is the causal part, because the flywheel isn't a wear component. It'll be covered against defect for the appropriate 5/60 or 10/100 period. Of course, if the clutch was worn out and that caused the flywheel to overheat, that's warrantable only within the 1/12 clutch wear warranty period (because the clutch is the failed component).

The problem you describe doesn't sound like a wear issue-- wear would cause slipping, not inability to shift out of gear. Once they remove the clutch, it should be obvious whether it's worn.

Thanks HT (I think). Parts will not be in until sometimes this week (via slow boat from Korea). Will post again as soon as get the dealerships report and or bill.

Thanks again.

SuperGlide

My intent was not to insinuate anything of the kind, but I had no idea if she was an adult or a new teenage driver. Besides, guys are probably much more likely to abuse a car then women are.

Then the problem should be due to a defect rather than abuse. That's a GOOD thing.

Don't sell Hyundai short so quickly. They may turn out to be your best friend. I've found them very easy to deal with if you're polite and insistent. Try to keep your sense of humor and it will go a long way when dealing with customer service personnel. They're used to dealing with cranky people all day and will often bend over backwards for someone that treats them with respect, courtesy and gives them something to chuckle about. I've been on both ends of the phone, so I know of what I speak.

Hopefully, there'll be good news.

I still suggest contacting Hyundai proactively, as it may avoid a confrontation at the dealership that would be a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. Explain your daughter's situation and driving experience to them and see if they'll contact the dealer and authorize warranty repair unless there's some unusual discovery when they do the work. Actually, your daughter should contact them herself, since she has firsthand knowledge of the vehicle and women are generally more diplomatic than we guys are. ;-)