2nd Jun 2011, 12:39

This is in reply to anyone who has had gearbox and or clutch problems with their Insignia.

We have an 09 plate that we bought last year when it was just 1 year old and had done 21000 miles. All had been OK, had it serviced last month - fine. Then 10 days ago, it started making a dreadful noise and had to be towed to garage by the AA. Dealer garage are now saying they think it is the gearbox/fly wheel/clutch issue (that seems quite common from what I've read?) and that we may be liable to pay around £1500 if it turns out to be wear and tear and not a manufacturer fault.

We have only driven it 8000 miles since we bought it and are not heavy on the clutch. We would appreciate any advice, particularly from anybody who has had a similar situation in the past - how did you resolve it?! I don't understand why Vauxhall just don't honour their warranty. It's obviously a common issue?!

Help!

8th Sep 2011, 07:55

Hi,

I too have had the same problem. Picked a VX Insignia 1.8S, as Vauxhall were in trouble and I wanted to help British industry. Had driven Fords for years. Received it May 2009, so one of the originals.

First problem was the rear discs, which were replaced at service in May 2010.

It is now in the garage, having had a burnt out clutch on Saturday pm, and towed by AA to same. It has 25,000 miles on the clock and a full service 3 months ago where clutch was checked. I have been told that this is driver abuse and I will have to pay for the clutch and DMF which has? been broken by the burnt out clutch.

As I am 61, no boy racer, and the majority of miles are done on the motorway, and have never had a burnt out clutch in over 25 years driving, I disputed this, but am not hopeful of a sympathetic hearing. I have verbally contacted Vauxhall customer care, and am awaiting their call back.

I fully intend to pursue this being done on warranty, as a 2 year old car costing 18,000+ should last longer than this when driven by a normal everyday driver. The fact that the clutch is in a sealed unit, which cannot be directly inspected, does not help when it is clear that the clutch is expected to wear, given that it is only covered by warranty for approx 18 months in any car.

I would not recommend this car to anyone. There are a number of reasons.

The weight of the car is too heavy for the power level.

Gear changes in low gear are never really smooth.

The side door support causes a significant blind spot.

It is impossible to see the back edge of the car (window too small) or the front nose when parking.

The seals around the doors and hatchback are less than robust.

Of course this may be our weather, in Scotland we have had serious rain and snow last 2 years, but VX are built in UK, so should at least be suitable for home market.

All in all, it will undoubtedly be my last VX.