I recently purchase a 2005 S4 with around 15k miles on it, I got it around 13k . On Friday while driving i suddenly lost power to the engine and the car stalled. Had it sent to the dealership. Got a call this morning and they said the clutch had to be replaced. With labor and parts the were charging me a pretty large sum of money. I asked if it was covered under warranty they said No. I just find it hard to believe that the clutch would go out at 15k miles. Does anybody have the same experience as I did?? and is it possible that a clutch would go out that fast?? Im a conservative driver too.

 

a few questions come to mind, did this car come from a used lot or off of an Audi pre-owned source? did you get any remainder of a warranty? you can always call Audi USA(number is on their website), give them the VIN and ask if they have any warranty info on it still...i did, they were very helpful for me

 

Thanks for your reply. Yes it did come with the standard warranty plus extended warranty. But they told me that Clutch is a wear and tear item and not covered underwarranty. But at 15k miles Right?

 

this is strange, I guess I am not totally familiar with warranties, since when does 15k mileage equate normal wear and tear?

straight from MyAudi.com/warranty:
The library section doesnt say much about coverage, just specs.

Since you bought it with the warranties, I'd take it up with Audi USA and ask their opinion:

1-800-822-2834 (AUDI)

Audi Customer Relations
3800 Hamlin Road
Auburn Hills, MI
48326

(let us know what happens)

 

I couldn't sleep last night.

I talked with a good friend of mine last night who is the warranty manager for the BMW and Mazda dealer here. She told me that the decision for the work is usually left up to the service tech, service manager, and warranty specialist. Every car is different, so the criteria for determining this work can be difficult. They look for obvious signs of owner abuse or neglect and also check for manufacturer problems. In your case, faulty clutch lines, misaligned clutch fork, position and condition of flywheel, condition of sprags on clutch disc, and operational condition of release(throw-out) bearing. Taking these into account, they can determine what might have gone on.

I can tell on older imports(japanese cars), when someone has been abusing the clutch, but I look at several areas. Normally its around 25-30K miles on a stock clutch set for a car that has a few power adders. For people that ride the clutch alot, or alot of stop and go traffic, the release bearing can start going bad and you will see hot spots on your flywheel.

I know Audi parts aren't exactly cheap, but for the S4 I'd go with a higher than stock level clutch set. Dealer list for the disc alone is $210 (as gathered from All Data Pro).

Are you in a position to get a second opinion?

found some aftermarket clutches if you dont want to stay stock or it turns out to be a non-warranty job...
horsepowerfreaks.com/performanceparts/Audi/S4/Clutches

 

The clutch is just like brakes etc., it depends on the user more than part quality etc. for when it goes bad. I'm sure if you tried you could go through a clutch in 1,000 miles, just drag race it the entire time. Not even the original factory warrenty will cover the clutch. I mean, it is up to the people at the dealership...for example my wheel bearings were covered but my tie rods werent...something I don't understand but whatever. Also, why didn;t they call you and tell you how much it was going to be if warrenty didn't cover it? I'd be pissed about that, not just the fact that the clutch went at 15k.

 

That seems like B.S. and I would fight it. Seek a second opinion, do whatever is necessary. That sounds like a clutch failure, not a regular wear and tear item. I got mad just reading this .

 

Thanks Guys for your reply! Unfortunately Audi wouldnt buckle down after talking to customer service they said "That they will back up the Advice of the Audi Dealership doing the repairs and ofcourse not cover it under warranty". There was nothing much I can do so I had it fixed there. Audis are still great cars I guess it was just bad luck. The cost was $3500 and its fixed now. Audi also said that they might consider covering it under warranty it were under 6k Miles. Thanks once again for all your replies

 

G id be a tad pissed too
Hope mine doesnt go as well i got a couple more K than u though
Wear and tear my **s, thats the excuse they use for everthing
They probably think u were doing wheelstands at the lights!

 

yeah, that sucks.. id go above them and go to aoa.. yes it is true that they usually wont cover a clutch, but it should be pretty evident that that is beyond wear and tear