3 clutches and 1 engine blow 08 plate

[hadders]

is this normal we have had 3 clutches since September and it has just gone back to the garage as they think the engine has blown

the truck is contract hire and we are caught in the middle of who is going to be held responsible as we have said that it is not fit for purpose and we want a replacement vehicle

any advise greatly needed pls

[Niall Scott]

CLUTCH PROBLEMS MAY BE SOLVED NISSAN HAS FINALLY REPLACED THE DUAL MASS FLYWHEEL AND WILL REPLACE ON WARRENTY WITH A SOLID FLYWHEEL SEE YOUR NISSAN DEALER THEY HAVE BEEN SENT A RECALL BULLETIN FOR D4O PICK UP
lifted from 4x4 chat forum 7 july 09

[richbenham]

See my other note on similar thread within the site:
27k miles on 06 Pathfinder
Have had verbal confirmation today from the dealership, although waiting to collect vehicle when repair finished and paid for, that NGB are covering the full cost of the £1500 approx. This covers a new clutch assembly and clutch pedal. The old design MDF clutch assembly has been totally replaced by a solid mass flywheel - by completely changing the design, Nissan is effectively putting their hands up and stating that under normal driving conditions, the original design of pedal/clutch/flywheel is not fit for purpose.

I gathered all the reviews from web sites such as this, nackerednavara.co.uk, honest john in the daily telegraph, etc. and was ready for a "discussion", but it seems that I won't be needing this.

Also found out, that the dealer I bought the Pathfinder from back in 2007 "gave" me a lifetime warranty (which I never received) which would have covered me for all of the above ONLY IF I had a MAJOR EXPENSIVE R2 service EACH year (which annualy is more than the yearly R1 in the 1st year, R2 in the 2nd year, R1 in the 3rd year, etc.) as well as the annual MOT (being just over 3yrs). Since I only had the R1 with the dealer and did the MOT elsewhere,I have made my "warranty" invalid.
It's not worth paying the £400+ for the R2 service in future and I won't be chasing them to issue me with a new warranty. Knowing the long list of problems I've had with this, I'll be looking to purchase an extended warranty from somewhere because expensive things WILL go wrong. If I could get rid of this car, i would, but the values have dropped significantly since I bought, and I can't afford to - what are the alternatives: a well down the JD Power Surved Land Rover, or an expensive Land Cruiser?!

Incidentally, the original dealership in Derby was abs' appalling when it comes to customer (who are they?) service. However, their dealership in another town close by has bent over backwards to assist this week and I would give them 10/10

Hope this statement of "design change" can help others in the future - keep forcing the issue on Nissan GB, keep calm, and I've found so far that some of the people in the call centre are genuine people who are willing to listen (thanks by the way, if you're reading this)

[thedoctor]

1st August 2014

Ms Kim Sperring
Renault and Nissan Brand Manager
Vospers Motor House Ltd
Marsh Mills
PL6 8AY


Dear Ms Sperring

Re: Nissan Qashqai +2 Clutch failure

Thank you for your email dated 29th July following an assessment of my car which was recovered by Nissan Recovery to your garage for assessment.

I note that on your assessment clutch failure was due to clutch riding by myself leading to over-heating and this is not a warranty guaranteed repair and thus a cost for repairs to myself for £1750.00.

Since your email I have sought the opinion of car mechanics and reviewed social media forums to investigate this allegation further.

I would like to note the following:

1. This car is not two years old yet and only has completed approximately 28,000 miles.
2. The car is within warranty.
3. Both myself, as the main driver, and my wife have considerable driving experience and have previously owned a number of cars. I can clearly state to you that I have been driving for 18 years and am a safe and competent driver who does not slip the clutch. I have never experienced such a problem with any other car I have ever driven.
4. There have been a significant number of reports of clutch failure within the Qashqai, in particularly the diesel range, strongly suggesting a manufacturing defect. I would be happy to provide evidence if required.
5. I am also aware that other manufacturers of clutches have been found to have fitting issues and poor tolerances of the mechanism of the clutch plate leading to recall of the vehicles.
6. I am disappointed that your premature assessment was alleging that the cause of the failure was my driving habit. I am aware that a number of other causes could also simulate such a picture. For example corrosion and pitting in the gearbox input shaft as a manufacture defect can stop the clutch releasing properly causing breakup giving the same appearance as a ridden clutch but off course contrary.
7. I am currently suffering without access to a functioning car.
8. The clutch failure occurred when my wife was driving with our two little children. She found the experience traumatizing and naturally was very concerned for the welfare of our children in the car at the time and in the future in a Nissan branded car.
9. I and all members or my family have been committed users and supporters of the Nissan brand for many years and hope our faith can be restored.

In summary I have found offensive the premature suggestion that my driving habit is to blame for the failure of the clutch. I strongly believe and evidence would corroborate that there was a manufacturing fault with the clutch fitted in my car. Both my wife and I are very competent drivers who have never seen such a problem before. The necessary repairs should thus be completed under warranty and a replacement vehicle made available.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely

[Niall Scott]

Welcome in, TheDoctor .You obviously know what you are up to.A superb Letter . If you go through the posts ,you will see where I am and can be contacted .I,d just love to hear this reply from Nissan.Regards Niall.