Dealer, independent shop, gas station or DIY? That’s the inevitable question when it comes to car service and maintenance. Like many of us in this forum, I’ve had my 2002 Santa Fe serviced exclusively at authorized Hyundai dealers in order to ensure there are no issues with the warranty. This is somewhat more expensive than other options, though, and as it turns out, is probably not worth it. Here’s why.

The clutch on my SF gave out at 77,255 miles on March 18, 2008. I was disappointed it didn’t last longer, and it wasn’t covered under the 100,000 mile warranty, but from reading the reports of others, it seems this is unfortunately a fairly typical life span for this item. It was replaced at LAX Hyundai in Los Angeles to the tune of $981 (flywheel was covered under warranty). Problem solved.

Except it wasn’t. Nine months later, the new clutch also wore out, with a scant 9,785 miles on its near-virgin pressure plate and lining. I was too far away to bring it back to LAX Hyundai on a tow truck, so I limped to a local mechanic, who noted that the bolts on the transmission and clutch housing were all loose (I verified this for myself), and confirmed the clutch was shot.

Thinking that Hyundai couldn’t possibly allow me to pay for this repair twice in such a short time, I had it towed to a local dealer, Inland Empire Hyundai, who after considerable negotiation replaced the clutch for approximately the same price, suggesting I take the matter up with the factory. So I did.

Turns out the factory wasn’t much help. “Hyundai Dealers are independently owned and operated,” was their mantra. “It’s up to you to seek restitution from the dealer that did the original repair. LAX Hyundai’s repair is warranted for 12 months or 12,000 miles.”

It seemed odd that they can set rules regarding dealer repair warranties, and not stand behind dealer service. But, clearly they don’t.

So I sent LAX Hyundai a Letter of Demand, asking them to reimburse me for the repair. Of course, it was ignored. Phone calls have gone unreturned.

Given that LAX Hyundai currently has an “F” rating with the BBB (http://www.la.bbb.org/BusinessReport...nyID=100048520), I think negotiation with them is likely to be unsuccessful, and it seems my only solution at this point is small claims court. But even this may not work. It seems LAX Hyundai changed hands a few months after the repair. Determining responsibility in this case (old or new ownership, both protected by loss-limiting incorporation) may well be beyond the scope of small claims, and I may have to get a lawyer (if you are one, and are interested in the case, please contact me at bobsspambox “at” ca.rr.com).

Would welcome any advice on how to proceed at this point, or any related stories concerning LAX Hyundai or SF clutch issues. Inland Empire Hyundai returned my worn clutch to me, so I am looking at getting applicable written testimony from an independent shop or automotive engineer.

Meanwhile, I would recommend LA folks AVOID LAX HYUNDAI AT ALL COSTS (two other repairs there didn’t work out so well either, but that’s another story). And for those of you who thought that an authorized dealer’s repairs meant a safety net of support from the manufacturer, I’m sorry to have to tell you this is not the case. Thanks for reading and safe motoring all,

Bob

 

So sorry for your troubles. Hope it works out for you.

 

Thank you! Thanks for reading.

 

Some of these clutches were "dual mass flywheel" while others were solid. The dual mass had problems, as they have moving parts and were apparently design flawed. They could be replaced by a solid flywheel.

Technical Service
Bulletin
Subject
Group
Number
Date
Model
CIRCULATE TO: [ ] GENERAL MANAGER
[X] SERVICE ADVISOR [X] SERVICE MANAGER [X] WARRANTY MGR [ ] SALES MANAGER
[X] PARTS MANAGER [X] TECHNICIAN
TRANSAXLE
04-40-013
SEPTEMBER, 2004
SANTA FE 2.4L
INCREASED CLUTCH DURABILITY
DESCRIPTION:
To increase the durability of the clutch in 2.4L manual transaxle Santa Fe vehicles, the
Dual Mass Flywheel and its components may be replaced with the Single Mass
Flywheel (SMF) system in accordance with the applicable Shop Manuals' replacement
procedures.
AFFECTED VEHICLES:
All Santa FE (SM) 2.4L vehicles with manual transaxles produced through July 16,
2003.