Last week I had to have my clutch replaced on the Subaru at 24K.  I took it in to a yet-to–be-named dealership after it started slipping on the way home from work and was told that the clutch was gone and that they “might” cover it under warranty.  The typical OEM replacement cost is 1200-1500 bucks!  The first service guy I dealt with – not my usual representative – stated that “normally” the clutch is only covered by the 12month/12,000 mile portion of the warranty, that “abuse” lessens clutch life, and that he would have to get back to me with an estimate.  By abuse he meant launch starts and power shifting. The only racing I do is to Starbucks on the way to work, so the premature failure and his accusing demeanor pissed me off.

I went home and dug into my warranty and looked in the Subaru Forums online for similar premature failures.   Apparently, this short clutch life is an issue with the WRX that is well known and documented on the inter-webs. Additionally, my warranty categorically states that the clutch is a 3year/36K covered item.  I called the service rep the next morning to check on status and he continued with the “maybe” covered line so I faxed him a copy of my warranty on letterhead from the attorney we used for something last year with the section covering the clutch highlighted and 20+ pages of forum posts about the very same issue.  The service guy that I have dealt with for the one recall (minor tube replacement on the turbo) and all my oil changes called me right back, said he would be my point of contact from now on and told me that the car would be ready by noon and that ALL work would be 100% covered.  When I showed to pick up the car the first guy wouldn’t look at me and left the counter as soon as he could.  I get trying to save your company money, but being shady to do so is a sh!tty thing to do.

All that said, the dealership has been terrific every other time I have been there, so I am not ready to throw them under the bus just yet.  Currently, I have issue with that one employee and don’t think I should spew web-hate for the entire business because of one ass-monkey.  Also, even though the WRX is hard on clutches, it is not enough to make me want to get rid of mine or talk smack about it, but enough of an issue that I won’t let neophytes/relatives drive it. I still love and am thoroughly impressed with the car and the Subaru brand.