I want to report a manufacturing defect regarding the clutch on my 2001 Volkswagen Gti glx. The car has only 34,000 miles on it and the clutch needs to be replaced already. I have driven a standard transmission for nearly 9 years. VW says the clutch needs to be replaced early due to wear and tear. Typically clutches last around 100,000 miles. My previous vehicle had 110,000 miles on the same clutch. So I don't believe wear and tear is the issue. The vehicle is covered under a bumper to bumper warranty. However, since VW is classifying the fault as wear and tear, they are holding me responsible for the $2000 repair. I do not believe this is fair. I have complained to the better business bureau as well. This could be a potential safety hazard if it is not caught early and the breakdown occurs while in motion. One would not be able to accelerate out of danger if necessary and would expose him or herself to unnecessary risks of being broken down in rush hour.

- Troy, MI, USA

There were no events leading to the failure. I drove my 2001 VW Gti into work on wed September 8, 2004 withouth any problems. In the afternoon when I was going out to get lunch (about noon) I tried to drive the car and I couldn't put the car in gear. If I tried to put the car in reverse the gears would grind and screech and if I tried to put it in any other gear (1-5) I was not able to. I had it towed to the VW dealership and am now faced with a $1,900 bill to replace the clutch. The car is only 3 years old and has only 30,000 miles on it and I should not have to replace a cluth now.

- Stamford, CT, USA