Clutch Failure Discovery 3

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.

stormrunner

New Member
Posts
3
So..I have a 2006 Discovery 3 (manual) and at 25k miles the clutch goes and is replaced under warantee. The well documented burning smell beforehand. I have other problems, you know the handbrake fault blah blah blah, but I'm happy to take all that in the normal rough and tumble of owning a Land Rover and loyalty to Blighty etc...

Now at 47k and it's gone again only this time their saying it's not covered under my warantee (normal wear apparently). Two clutches in under 50k miles- does this sound reasonable?

Land Rover are being astonishingly unhelpful, and whilst I feel sorry for the dealer, they sold me the car!

I do a bit of off road (not enough) but a high proportion of the interviening £22k has been done on motorways and going shopping- it doesn't feel like fit for purpose to me.....

I'm not going to let it rest, and if I need to drag them into court I will! Anyone else got more information, or suffering from the same problems????:confused:
 
Clutch wear is generally down to driving style. The dealer will no doubt claim this, so you will be banging your head against a brick wall trying to claim against LR.

I have known some people to kill clutches in 2000 miles :eek:

If you really think the car is at fault get your driving assessed by an IAM observer to get their opinion before you set a layer on LR.
 
I agree, clutch failure is genarally put at the feet of the driver/s, unless you can prove that the flywheel is the problem, otherwise you might be on to a loser. Mine is 07 60,000 kilometers on it and only problem so far was the hand brake fault which I had done under warranty. Anyone had theirs remapped? had mine done, 235 bhp now and is averaging out at 29.5 to the gallon. The extra power is a boost when pulling away.
 
Ask them to show you evidence of abuse, as against normal wear and tear. Request photos and evidence of blueing and see what they have to say about the comments on Honest Johns regarding dual mass flywheel and clutch failures.
 
Thanks for early replies- yes, it was put down to my driving style, and "was I towing?" I did make the point thatl, even though I had only very rarely- surely it shoud cope with this, but to no avail!
I'll make sure I get the pics and have asked for the parts back...
Graham- where did you get the mapping done- 29mpg sounds good!
 
discovery 3 like new clutches i have read before about discovery 3 that have had clutches changed after low miles sounds like the clutches are not upto the job more than how you drive
 
Can't comment on Disco 3's but we have a pair of Defender 110's and we do a lot of towing. A lot of it is pulling boats out of the water so pretty heavy on the clutch. Some of our towing is 2.5 tons plus. I think we had to change clutches at about 80000 miles. So unless you control the vehicle speed by slipping the clutch (as my bosses dad used to) I think 25000 miles is a bit excessive
 
Thanks all- I do have 2 other 4X4s - one with 120k so not sure I'm prepared to accept the driving style thing but appreciate your input- I have the old clutch so time to get some opinion on this I guess.....
 
We're also ictim of the Discovey 3 clutch fault. Clutch plate failed at 14,000 miles, 4,000 after I bought my 2007 GS in Feb'08. Has just failed again May 2009 at 40,000 miles. Landrover claim that this is not a design fault and will not repair under warranty, but offer 50% "goodwill" contribution to repair cost although under warranty "because of the age and mileage"!:D

From their response they are clearly comfortable that a clutch should last no more than 26,000 miles on a modern Land Rover, which seems at odds to the whole ethos and brand image.

It's not down to our driving; we had a Discovery Mark 11 and did 150,000 miles without any clutch problems at all.

We don't tow. To me it's a clear fault that Land Rover know about but will only repair once under warranty.

Just starting the debate with Land Rover today about who pays -but wll check out Honest John's site, thanks.
 
Did you get it resolved?
I have a similar story, clutch went under warranty and was repaired by dealer who sold me the car (2 year old '05). Went again 4k later, this time flywheel had to be repalced as well, but had to pay myself as only 1 clutch to be repaired under warranty, despite huge arguments with the dealer and LR.
18k later clutch and fly wheel has gone again. \Repaired this time by independent garage. About to start proceedings against the dealer after advice from Consumer Direct.
Have heard that there was a technical bulletin, not a product recall, posted by Land Rover to all the dealers about possible flywheel failure on 05/06 manual LR3's, and should be replaced if customers go to dealers with clutch issues.
Has anybody got a hard copy of the Technical Report supporting this, or any reference I can use if I go to court over this?

All 3 times it failed I was towing a horse box less than a year old. I drive about 11k a year of which towing is only 500 miles in total.
Same old statement by the dealer of driver abuse, but as I have been driving 4x4's for over 30 years, and considering I learnt to drive on SWB and LWB series II, I resent this greatly.
Love having a LR but if it can't tow what's the point. Sacrilege but feel like Mitsubushi here I come!:doh::frusty:
 
So..I have a 2006 Discovery 3 (manual) and at 25k miles the clutch goes and is replaced under warantee. The well documented burning smell beforehand. I have other problems, you know the handbrake fault blah blah blah, but I'm happy to take all that in the normal rough and tumble of owning a Land Rover and loyalty to Blighty etc...

Now at 47k and it's gone again only this time their saying it's not covered under my warantee (normal wear apparently). Two clutches in under 50k miles- does this sound reasonable?

Land Rover are being astonishingly unhelpful, and whilst I feel sorry for the dealer, they sold me the car!

I do a bit of off road (not enough) but a high proportion of the interviening £22k has been done on motorways and going shopping- it doesn't feel like fit for purpose to me.....

I'm not going to let it rest, and if I need to drag them into court I will! Anyone else got more information, or suffering from the same problems????:confused:
Hi,
I am a Mum who has taken my car on a couple of long trips (using the cruise control on motorways) and other than that the school run etc. I have a Discovery3 07 where the clutch has just been replaced for the second time. The XYZ switch has intermittently caused problems and needed to be re-calibrated. This has linked into problems with the handbrake (not going off automatically, Warning light on dash and all associated problems). I am just about to go out of warranty but have asked the garage to voice concerns about this recurring problem. Iam not happy that the clutch has needed to be replaced again and am pretty sure that this will happen again and again and again. I am wuite happy to consider teaming up to make a case about this. The garage are well aware how disgruntled I am - The service manager suggested (a week ago - when they were replacing the clutch again) that land rover may make a decision to change the manufacturer of the clutch but said it so low that only I could hear it... I have been told by the same garage not to ride the clutch which is complete nonsense. I have owned 4x4s before this for years and absolutely no clutch problems. I refuse that comment as I do not ride the clutch. We do not live in the city so I am not constantly riding the clutch to change the gears and use cruise control even in 30mph zones - so riding the clutch does not wash with me.... I have asked for all the history in relation to the XYZ switch and clutch problems with the car so that I can send this to Land Rover to see what can be done....
 
clutch failure tdv6
I have a 2007 tdv6 that suffered clutch failure at 20,000 mls.Although the garage report says"no sign of driver abuse" L.R. refuse to accept that the clutch is their responsability.The cost of repair £955.55.Prior to this the hand brake failed whilst in Scotland(700mls from home).The car at that time had only covered 13,000mls.they also refused to cover this on warranty.Estimated repair by a main agent(Lookers)£460.Ihad it carried out by a local L.R. agent for £60.
I also own a 2000 td5 that has covered 193,000 mls and has never had a clutch fitted, therefore removing their accusation "driver error".The tdv6 has done 23,000mls to date and is going up for sale as i cannot trust it.
 
Last edited:
well there is abviously a problem they are all around the same milage, watchdog sounds like a good idea

loveitandhateit have you looked into an extended warrenty?
 
Did you get it resolved?
I have a similar story, clutch went under warranty and was repaired by dealer who sold me the car (2 year old '05). Went again 4k later, this time flywheel had to be repalced as well, but had to pay myself as only 1 clutch to be repaired under warranty, despite huge arguments with the dealer and LR.
18k later clutch and fly wheel has gone again. \Repaired this time by independent garage. About to start proceedings against the dealer after advice from Consumer Direct.
Have heard that there was a technical bulletin, not a product recall, posted by Land Rover to all the dealers about possible flywheel failure on 05/06 manual LR3's, and should be replaced if customers go to dealers with clutch issues.
Has anybody got a hard copy of the Technical Report supporting this, or any reference I can use if I go to court over this?

All 3 times it failed I was towing a horse box less than a year old. I drive about 11k a year of which towing is only 500 miles in total.
Same old statement by the dealer of driver abuse, but as I have been driving 4x4's for over 30 years, and considering I learnt to drive on SWB and LWB series II, I resent this greatly.
Love having a LR but if it can't tow what's the point. Sacrilege but feel like Mitsubushi here I come!:doh::frusty:


For a full list of the recalls and any more advice have a look on www.disco3.co.uk

Cheers
 
Hi

I have experienced the same problem and I have written to Watch Dog at 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS and explained my predicament. If we all do this then they may sit up and take notice.

Regards

Dave


So..I have a 2006 Discovery 3 (manual) and at 25k miles the clutch goes and is replaced under warantee. The well documented burning smell beforehand. I have other problems, you know the handbrake fault blah blah blah, but I'm happy to take all that in the normal rough and tumble of owning a Land Rover and loyalty to Blighty etc...

Now at 47k and it's gone again only this time their saying it's not covered under my warantee (normal wear apparently). Two clutches in under 50k miles- does this sound reasonable?

Land Rover are being astonishingly unhelpful, and whilst I feel sorry for the dealer, they sold me the car!

I do a bit of off road (not enough) but a high proportion of the interviening £22k has been done on motorways and going shopping- it doesn't feel like fit for purpose to me.....

I'm not going to let it rest, and if I need to drag them into court I will! Anyone else got more information, or suffering from the same problems????:confused:
 
So..I have a 2006 Discovery 3 (manual) and at 25k miles the clutch goes and is replaced under warantee. The well documented burning smell beforehand. I have other problems, you know the handbrake fault blah blah blah, but I'm happy to take all that in the normal rough and tumble of owning a Land Rover and loyalty to Blighty etc...

Now at 47k and it's gone again only this time their saying it's not covered under my warantee (normal wear apparently). Two clutches in under 50k miles- does this sound reasonable?

Land Rover are being astonishingly unhelpful, and whilst I feel sorry for the dealer, they sold me the car!

I do a bit of off road (not enough) but a high proportion of the interviening £22k has been done on motorways and going shopping- it doesn't feel like fit for purpose to me.....

I'm not going to let it rest, and if I need to drag them into court I will! Anyone else got more information, or suffering from the same problems????:confused:


Hi,
Try sending a copy of your complaint to BBC Watchdog, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS
If we all do this they may take som action on our behalf. i have already sent a copy of my complaint.
Regards, henry hall
 
Hi,
I am a Mum who has taken my car on a couple of long trips (using the cruise control on motorways) and other than that the school run etc. I have a Discovery3 07 where the clutch has just been replaced for the second time. The XYZ switch has intermittently caused problems and needed to be re-calibrated. This has linked into problems with the handbrake (not going off automatically, Warning light on dash and all associated problems). I am just about to go out of warranty but have asked the garage to voice concerns about this recurring problem. Iam not happy that the clutch has needed to be replaced again and am pretty sure that this will happen again and again and again. I am wuite happy to consider teaming up to make a case about this. The garage are well aware how disgruntled I am - The service manager suggested (a week ago - when they were replacing the clutch again) that land rover may make a decision to change the manufacturer of the clutch but said it so low that only I could hear it... I have been told by the same garage not to ride the clutch which is complete nonsense. I have owned 4x4s before this for years and absolutely no clutch problems. I refuse that comment as I do not ride the clutch. We do not live in the city so I am not constantly riding the clutch to change the gears and use cruise control even in 30mph zones - so riding the clutch does not wash with me.... I have asked for all the history in relation to the XYZ switch and clutch problems with the car so that I can send this to Land Rover to see what can be done....

Hi,
send acopy of your problem to BBC Watchdog, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS if we all do it we may get a satisfactory response.i have already sent my complaint.
Henry hall
 
Yesterday I had to call |Assist out to my 3rd Park Brake Fault. My car is 2 yrs old in the Summer and only done 20K. The LR Garage have called to say that their computer says there cld be a clutch problem. They have called me to say - they need me to authorise the stripping down of the parts to get to the clutch to see if it has gone. They explained if it has gone I will have to pay £250 + vat for the strip down, plus a fee to put it back together and also the cost of a new clutch shld it have been worn out. They explnd the warranty does not cvr a worn clutch as down to wear and tear!.
I am so annoyed, I have had a TDI for 2 years (only thing that went wrong with that was an ignition barrel), a TD5 for four years with no problems.
I have not agreed to the £250 fee, so they have said that they will not do anything with it and that I have to pk the car up. What I want them to do is to agree to pay for a new clutch shld there be a fault or worn as I explnd that I do not tow, go off road etc and that if the clutch is worn I explained there must be a fault with the product.
Anyone else out there have the same problems as me?, can anyone give me advice as to what I can do next as I will still have my park brake fault.
 
clutch failure tdv6
I have a 2007 tdv6 that suffered clutch failure at 20,000 mls.Although the garage report says"no sign of driver abuse" L.R. refuse to accept that the clutch is their responsability.The cost of repair £955.55.Prior to this the hand brake failed whilst in Scotland(700mls from home).The car at that time had only covered 13,000mls.they also refused to cover this on warranty.Estimated repair by a main agent(Lookers)£460.Ihad it carried out by a local L.R. agent for £60.
I also own a 2000 td5 that has covered 193,000 mls and has never had a clutch fitted, therefore removing their accusation "driver error".The tdv6 has done 23,000mls to date and is going up for sale as i cannot trust it.

Hi Henry
How have you got on with clutch?, I have the same problem, had 3 call outs with Assist and now the LR garage are suggesting my clutch has gone on 20K 08 disco. Donna
 
Back
Top