My Hyundai i30's Endless Clutch Trouble
I own a 2015 Hyundai i30 equipped with a GDI petrol engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission. I started experiencing shuddering during acceleration around 30,000 to 35,000 kilometers on the odometer. I took my car to the Ata Hyundai dealership in Ankara, where they diagnosed a clutch pressure plate problem and recommended a replacement. It was the middle of the pandemic, and my car's warranty had just expired. However, because of the low mileage and Hyundai's decision to extend warranties by three months due to the pandemic, they decided to cover the replacement under warranty. They assured me that after this replacement, I would not have to deal with this problem for another 70,000 kilometers. I asked if they should replace the flywheel as well, given the recurring problem, but they said no. After 60,000 kilometers, my car started experiencing the same issue again. When I called the service center, I was told that the part warranty had expired. I contended that it is unusual for a clutch to fail within 25,000 to 30,000 kilometers of replacement under normal operating conditions. They simply stated that it could have been due to my driving habits. If you ask them now, they'll most likely label it as a user error. However, it's worth noting that this appears to be a recurring issue with the transmissions on i30 models. The warranty replacement parts were not reinforced; they were identical to the factory originals. What's going on here? A recurring problem in a short period of time results in no warranty, so you'll have to pay out of pocket. There is a concept known as "righteousness," and in this case, I believe I have been wronged. Hyundai, as a company, has failed to stand behind the quality of its products. For my part, I will never consider purchasing another Hyundai, especially an automatic. Before purchasing, those interested should thoroughly research each model on forums. I erred by failing to do so. Now, as for a solution, I don't expect one in the traditional sense, because they'll almost certainly claim there isn't one. I'm not asking for anything; I've left it up to God. I'm the one who is taking the risk. In the end, it's my family's safety that is at stake, and they will have to pay for Hyundai's mistakes. If a large corporation cannot admit a mistake and assure customers that a solution will be found, then words have no meaning!
Dear Customer, First of all, thank you very much for choosing Hyundai. Our goal is to turn the process you are experiencing into satisfaction as soon as possible. A Customer Relations Officer from our Customer Relations Department will contact you regarding your application. You can forward any information, suggestions, thanks, documents, and solution requests related to our products and services to the Hyundai Authorized Dealer and Service from which you received service through the Customer Relations Managers working at Hyundai Plazas. If you would like to share your opinions and requests with Hyundai General Directorate, you can reach our customer relations experts via the Hyundai Consultation Line between 08:00-18:00 on weekdays; outside working hours and on weekends, you can leave a voice message on our consultation line. You will be contacted on the first business day following your voice messages. You can also reach the Customer Relations Department via the Contact Form under the "Contact Us" menu. We thank all our customers who share their opinions and suggestions with us for their trust in our brand. Hyundai Customer Relations
I was called by Ankara Ata Hyundai Plaza and given a free fault detection appointment at 09:00 on 26.09.2023. I also conveyed to them that it is certain they will say it does not fall under the warranty and will state that I need to cover the cost myself. There are three reasons for this fault, specifically the shuddering during takeoff: either the clutch set flywheel, the electronic ignition system, or the transmission mounts, etc. Other mechanics have said there is nothing wrong with the ignition system and the mounts, leaving the clutch set and flywheel as the remaining possibilities. If either of these is the issue, Hyundai should be responsible for and cover the cost. In 2020, at 35,000 kilometers, the clutch set was replaced. Now, in 2023, the vehicle has done 25,000 kilometers, which means this 25,000 kilometers was done over three years, indicating how little the car has been used. The total mileage is now 60,000 kilometers, but the clutch set is worn out again. I want an expert to explain to me, for the love of God, why a car's clutch set needs to be replaced twice in a total of 60,000 kilometers. If the fault turns out to be the flywheel, Hyundai is also responsible because when the clutch set was replaced under warranty, I told the technician to check the flywheel as well, and if there was an issue, to replace it too. They said there was no need to check it and that it was normal. If any other fault arises, such as with the electronic ignition, which has been deemed normal, I accept responsibility and will cover the cost myself. However, I will never accept the other issue as my fault. Forums are filled with complaints about Hyundai automatic cars shuddering during takeoff. Let's see what happens tomorrow. I don't expect anything to change, but I will go because of the polite manner and speech of the person who called. I hope I am wrong. I will continue to share my experiences here so that everyone is informed and does not make the same mistakes we did.
I came to the Hyundai plaza in Ankara. The vehicle was inspected, and it was said that the clutch set, circlip, and transmission oil would be changed. The current price is around 24,000, but with a discount, a price of 15,800 was given. They said if something like the flywheel or something else comes up when it’s opened, it will be extra. This price is not fair. I did everything that was said at the service: brake hard in traffic to separate the clutch, do not let the vehicle move on its own, use it by giving gas slowly. I used it as they said. In three years, I did a low mileage of around 25,000. I used it a few times a week, yet the clutch is finished. The fact that it is not under warranty does not mean that the part installed in this vehicle is not faulty. The staff there cannot say it’s user error without knowing. How do they know? Were they with me? Don’t they fear God? Do they have proof? How can they speak hypothetically and blame the user? It’s a shame. Then let me say without proof that your part is faulty. I say this, what will happen? I have no proof. How do you have proof? Explain this to me. You are committing a sin. I used the vehicle as the mechanics in the service told me to. Your behavior is very accusatory and upsetting. It’s unbecoming. There are hundreds of vehicles in Turkey that are new and have entered service with less than 10,000 kilometers, all with clutch vibration issues. Did they also use it roughly? Did the problem start at that mileage? Do not burden chronic problems on the user and violate their rights. This was the behavior I expected, so I am not surprised. It’s hurtful and offensive. I will not be as offensive as you, but it’s a shame. It’s unbecoming of you, not at all.
