Q: Bad clutch, slips and makes shifting rough

asked by on November 06, 2015

I bought my 2010 Mazda3 with a manual transmission because I like the added control you get on downhills. It usually helps my brakes last longer as well. I am experienced with manual transmissions and I never burn out clutches in cars. Now the clutch is slipping in my Mazda3 after only 45,000 miles! Pretty disappointed. Is this a defect or is the factory clutch just weak?

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Alternators keep dying and killing batteries
Your alternator may be working fine and you just need to replace the dying battery. Most alternators tend to last a lot longer than most batteries. The factory alternator on your Jeep is more than capable of handling your needs...
My car dies while hitting a bump and pushing gas.
Hello. This can be caused by a number of things, but most of the time this is caused by the fuel pump turning off. It is usually caused by a fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) that is failing or a bad fuel...
what does it mean when your car starts knocking in the front near the tires?
Hi there. The best way to diagnose any problems with the front end is to have a professional mechanic take a test drive. However, the symptoms you are describing are similar in many ways to worn out brake pads (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-bad-or-failing-brake-pads)....
I just changed the transmission with a rebuild from the transmission shop and I followed all the directions an it still doesn't work
Hello. Yes, problems with the transmission controller can prevent the transmission from going into gear. Double-check the fluid level to be sure it is at the proper level. Also, double-check the hydraulic pressure from the transmissions input pump to be...
1994 Chevrolet Silverado extended cabV-8 oil pan gasket replacement?
Hi there. You would have to drain the engine oil out of the oil pan, put the plug back in the oil pan, and remove the oil pan bolts to take the pan off. Once the pan is off, you...
Car slows down while accelerating
You should first replace the fuel filter and road test to see if engine runs better. If problem continues then test and replace the fuel pump.
Cam sensor problem on my 2014 Chevrolet Camaro
Hello. This can be caused by a number of issues. If the sensor clearance is not correct then this will occur. I would check this first. I would then monitor the sensor signals as that would tell me if the...
Check engine light read 3 maf codes but my car runs perfectly fine should I clean the sensor or replace it ?
The check engine light comes on when there is a failure that can result in increased emissions. This is not always apparent when you are driving. When the controller detects a fault, it substitutes a value for the signal that...
Transmission gears
You may have a broken transfer case and should have the system tested and see if the problem is in transfer case or the transmission.

Related articles

2012 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Mazda 3: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact sedans and hatchbacks provide a great ride on a budget, with the evolution from a stodgy, unattractive exterior (and interior!) to a more fully-featured trim set and exterior design. Driving enjoyment is improved throughout the class, which are known...
2012 Honda Odyssey vs. 2012 Mazda 5: Which One Should I Buy?
Passenger vans may be one of the most maligned classes of vehicles. From being called "Mom-mobiles" to being mocked extensively by those who have not experienced the comfort and ease of getting into and out of a van, vans just...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Transmission Position Sensor (Switch)
Common signs include the car not starting or moving, transmission going into a different gear than selected, and the vehicle going into limp mode.