My Gf has an '08. She is having classic "clutch has gone out symptoms" - climbing revs and little acceleration, clutch burning smell etc. She doesn't ride the clutch and drives a manual properly (she's a keeper).

45k on the clock. The dealership is of course trying to deny a warranty claim saying its a wear item.

Has anyone had their clutch replaced under warranty at around the same mileage or is she pretty much screwed?

I am a Honda/Subaru guy so I'm not too familiar with Tiburons. 45k seems real early for a properly driven clutch to go out.

 

45k is early for a clutch to go . . . . IF it was driven properly. Driven improperly, 45k is great.

Either way, the clutch is only warrantied for 12k miles because it IS a wear item. What the dealership told you is 100% correct. It is NOT covered and you will have to pay for a replacement.