Clutch Shot @ 22,000 Miles??

Noticed 3rd, 4th and 5th gears slipping during shifts at or above 3,000 RPMs. No other problems with trans or clutch. Brought my truck to the dealer, they tell me they feel the clutch plates are worn and would have to pull the tranny to further diagnose and if clutch is worn and not damaged due to manufacture defect, they will charge me $895 for repairs.

I have been driving a stick for over 25 years and I never had to replace a clutch before. I do not tow (do not have a hitch) and am not hard on the clutch. In fact, while standing at a traffic light, the truck in in neutral, also I never touch the clutch (my foot does not rest on the clutch pedal), unless shifting gears.

The dealer service rep tells me to call Toyota customer service; they tell me the clutch is not a warranty item as it is a "wearing part". They suggest I call the extended warranty department; they tell me it's not covered there either for the same reason, plus my truck only having 22K miles would be covered under the general vehicle warranty.

My truck is a 2009 Tacoma, 4cyl, 5spd, 4x4, purchased new in December 2009.

Anyone experience a worn clutch at 22K miles?

Any ideas/suggestions?

 

I was going to state User Error, but you seem pretty competent. So I dunno.

 

Might be better off taking it somewhere else and have them put in a better clutch than the factory.

 

I would except the "user error", but I've had several cars with a stick and NEVER had a problem, never mind having to replace the clutch.

So like you, I don"t know either.

 

I'm not a big fan of the Tacoma clutch, but at 15,000 miles my clutch seems to work fine. Tell them if they don't fix it under warranty, you are going to buy a Nissan and never buy a Toyota again. I know you are not actually going to buy a Nissan, but they don't know that. Right now, Toyota can't afford to lose any customers. JMO.

 

Anyone know if a hydraulic clutch is adjustable? Can that be the solution?

 

No problems with my 2007 clutch at about 44K miles now. I must say though, I have never liked this clutch. Just seems spongy and after nearly three years I'm still not completely comfortable with the engagement point. I've driven manual transmissions all my life, learned to drive on them, never owned an auto. I've never had trouble getting used to a MT or clutch, but this one I still don't like.

That said, I'd still rather have this than an auto.

 

A couple other guys have lost the clutch with a few thousand on them and IIRC it turned out to be that the plate was faulty.

I'd start searching here and over at TN and see if I could get any more info before I shelled out money

Personally I think these new Toyota clutches are a piece of shit compared to all the other ones I have been driving for over 30 years

 

no.

 

Here is a guy that lost his @ 20,000 and they covered it

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/62874-can-clutch-go-out-20k-miles.html


Another guy lost his @ 4,000

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/37682-09-clutch-gone-4k-miles.html

 

Snipe,

Thanks for the info, I guess I was so frustrated with Toyota that I didn't even think to do a search.

I hope that the dealer steps up to the plate and covers my clutch, fingers crossed.

Will update after I re-visit the dealer.

 

yeah that is weird...my old toyo truck lasted 300,000 miles on the clutch that came on it so obviously something is messed up...maybe another recall on the way?

 

mine is at 13k miles and slips like its got 130k miles on it, not to mention the ticking it makes when the clutch is out. I've been driving a stick for over 15 years, my last manual transmission vehicle had the original clutch in it at 126k and still would grip like no other. I bought the truck for the reliability, but i am starting to wonder at this point.

 

You just reminded me of that "ticking" noise I did experience once in a while too.

I feel the same as far as the reliability (both the purchase and now), but will see what happens when I revisit the dealer for them to diagnose my truck.

Will submit a follow-up on TW.

 

If anyone is looking for a clutch that is better than stock, URD has a nice selections of performance clutch assemblies and flywheels:

http://www.urdusa.com/index.php?cPath=9_141

Gadget

 

2009 Std cab, 2.7, 4wd. 18,000 miles and mine is slipping. I've been running 285/16's that my dealer knows about so I figure they will blame the large rubber. I ran this same setup on a 2000 model and it had around 98000 on it when I sold on the original clutch. Now lokking for a heavy duty replacement.

 

It sounds like a bad pressure plate

 

Probably a defect. Your gonna need to have them take it apart and cross your fingers.

 

hate to say it but toyota sure isn't makin um like they used to....

unfortunately the reliability of their older models can't cover up the averagness of what they are putting out now and are quickly becoming no better (or worse) in many aspects than many of the other manufacturers out there

its a shame

 

the clutch in the 4 banger is a joke, i had one and hated it so bad i traded my 09 reg cab for a 6-speed, best trade ever