Hi,

Just wanted to get peoples opinion of an issue I've had with my Superb 1.6 Manual Estate today.

Basically the clutch has completely gone - no drive at all and I had to be towed to the local Skoda dealer.

My concern is that the car has only done just under 43,000 miles in under 18 Months since new. I've never had clutch issues on any other car I've driven, over the years I've driven many cars all on 3 year leases again from new.

Therefore I can't see how this could be a driving style issue, I never ride the clutch and as I've never had the problem before I'm suspecting whether the clutch is up to the job being such a big car pulled along by a 1.6 engine.

Has anyone had similar problems or thoughts on whats happened and why?

Thanks

A clutch normaly slips for quite some time before failing altogether.

For yours to require a tow suggests a sudden failure.

At 43,000 miles you'd have to make a real effort to fry a clutch.

It sounds to me like a premature failure / manufacturing defect.

The problem is trying to prove it, it's all too easy for Skoda to blame it on the owners driving style!

As Silver says, sudden loss of drive is not due to clutch wear, but failure in either the assembly or mechanism.

As Silver says, sudden loss of drive is not due to clutch wear, but failure in either the assembly or mechanism.

could well be to do with the master cylinder, possibly the pressure has gone for one reason or another or even fluid leaked out. It is not unknown for master cylinders to need new " rubbers " but usually at much greater mileages than 43 000m.

could well be to do with the master cylinder, possibly the pressure has gone for one reason or another or even fluid leaked out. It is not unknown for master cylinders to need new " rubbers " but usually at much greater mileages than 43 000m.

Haven't looked to see if Superb is a cable or hydraulic clutch. Anyone know? If, like a lot of modern cars, it uses a concentric slave cylinder (csc), then it will be hydraulic.

However, the OP has said he has lost drive, not gear selection, as would be the case if hydraulic seals had failed.

My 62 plate 1.6 has gone to the garage for clutch problems. 2 weeks ago I notice the odd slip whist visiting Norfolk from Devon. Within a week it was slipping all the time and you could not get above 15mph. Apparently its the clutch that has failed and not due to anything else. We do not tow, race or live in the hills. I have never had a clutch failure in 30 years and nor has the wife. 32K miles - one week and that's it. Skoda Barnstaple state - driving style and we need new fly wheel. Thought please.

My 62 plate 1.6 has gone to the garage for clutch problems. 2 weeks ago I notice the odd slip whist visiting Norfolk from Devon. Within a week it was slipping all the time and you could not get above 15mph. Apparently its the clutch that has failed and not due to anything else. We do not tow, race or live in the hills. I have never had a clutch failure in 30 years and nor has the wife. 32K miles - one week and that's it. Skoda Barnstaple state - driving style and we need new fly wheel. Thought please.

Seems very early for that although DMF problem has become a more common issue on VAG cars.  I've heard it happening on A4s quite often actually and of course if you search this forum you'll find you're not alone.  Are they saying they are not covering it under warranty?

Seems very early for that although DMF problem has become a more common issue on VAG cars.  I've heard it happening on A4s quite often actually and of course if you search this forum you'll find you're not alone.  Are they saying they are not covering it under warranty?

 

To be fair it can be a problem on any car that has a DMF regardless of engine type or make. 

 

Wives 58 plate Ceed had 38K on the clock (bought with 31K on the clock) when we traded it in was starting to slip and judder despite being a SMF and a lowly 1.6 NA petrol. I had to have a DMF done on the Octy at 90something K but clutch was still reasonable at that point (but was changed). 

 

You could just be unlucky. Even a 0.01% fall out is a vast number based on the amount of units created.

As some know i work at TPS in bham & i have a 1.6 tdi superb I've also had the clutch done in mine recently / ALL 1.6 tdi superb"s have  A solid flywheel & it is recommended to replace the release arm with spring - slider sleeve & seal / when i had mine replaced i bought a luk 3 in one kit from eurocar parts approx £126 & the other parts from TPS aprox £35.

 

My original clutch was genuine factory fitted Luk & had done approx 135k before we changed it / if anyone wants to know the clutch is hydrologic operated.

Master cylinder at fault, if its the clutch get them to fit the single system from the 1.9 tdi, they fit straight in

Seems very early for that although DMF problem has become a more common issue on VAG cars.  I've heard it happening on A4s quite often actually and of course if you search this forum you'll find you're not alone.  Are they saying they are not covering it under warranty?

Not warranty as its a 'wear' part Not happy but what can you do? Will finish paying for car and move on or upgrade! 32K and totally gone!! not good at all.

Not warranty as its a 'wear' part Not happy but what can you do? Will finish paying for car and move on or upgrade! 32K and totally gone!! not good at all.

32K!?! Unless you're prone to sitting with your foot on pedal constantly, frankly that is utterly ridiculous, so don't give in that easily. Make an enormous fuss, Dave. My MKI has covered 120k on the original clutch and it STILL bites <10cm from the floor. Cars with 200k on their original clutch are not uncommon; 32k is!

I had a Mondeo fail at 140K but it was the DMF, not the clutch, I also had a Tourneo DMF fail at 100K they ought to string up the guy who thought up the DMF by his wrists and hang every failed DMF on his gonads, £800-£900 a time.....for what used to be a simple solid lump of metal

Edited 25 June, 201510 yr by lichfielddriver

My car is in for a clutch at 43k or gearbox because it has "the rattle". I thought the standard six speed manual was like the OP (1.6) a standard single flywheel which would mean clutch slippage only before anything else. Mine has not slipped at all and I also drive very carefully for best mpg.

Edited 25 June, 201510 yr by Danny 57

32K!?! Unless you're prone to sitting with your foot on pedal constantly, frankly that is utterly ridiculous, so don't give in that easily. Make an enormous fuss, Dave. My MKI has covered 120k on the original clutch and it STILL bites <10cm from the floor. Cars with 200k on their original clutch are not uncommon; 32k is!

Its where to start and who to complain to. Life is busy enough but I will do it and soon. I get the odd whiff of clutch sometimes on the way to work. Never had that before and as for riding the clutch - why after 30 years would I start now!!!! It just hacks me off that they blame all but themselves!!

Its where to start and who to complain to. Life is busy enough but I will do it and soon. I get the odd whiff of clutch sometimes on the way to work. Never had that before and as for riding the clutch - why after 30 years would I start now!!!! It just hacks me off that they blame all but themselves!!

Firstly, speak to the Service Manager at your supplying dealer who, in turn, can raise a ticket with Skoda UK; a failure at 43k on a 18m old car means its not fit for purpose. Secondly, if they fob you off, speak with the dealer principal and be pushy, really pushy. Finally, if that doesn't work, email the MD of Skoda UK....

My DMF  failed, causing damage to clutch plate, and causing DMF, clutch and bearing to be replaced, at 74,000KM.  garage reported no problem, with clutch, but Skoda, blaming driving style.  Just my luck that car is 5 years old, with low mileage.  An expensive repair, that I could have done without.