“Thunderbolt” Mahindra XUV5OO Detailed Review (5 Years Report)

[manuman]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

@bhvm: my friend faced similar issue with the clutch (XUV W8, March 2012 make). I believe it was replaced by Mahindra service center 'free of cost' since it falls within warranty period. If you dont get them to replace it, you should escalate to highest level.

Knowing my friend, I can tell you he is not the best driver (he doesn't read this blog ). But the clutch issue was beyond his driving style; probably some batch cars and/or clutch plates have this problem.

Insist on free replacement. Many faced clutch issue with Mahindra Scorpio (~2005 model) and it was promptly replaced without argument. I remember paying only Rs. 80 for some fluids. That's it!

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

my dad called the tollfree number and got a good response. they're planning to tow the vehicle to surat for further checking.

sad to see such thing happen with just 32k kms on odo and totally new vehicle. problem is, dad alone is the driving person and the passengers are senior citizen aged 70+ and most of them women.

manuman, thanks for dropping in. I'll pass on the details to dad. can you pm me your cell number just in case of emergency etc?

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

xuv loaded on a flatbed and sent to surat. tomorrow morning we'll know what's the matter. as of yet, the clutch pedal is not returning. we have to pull it back with hand. experts please advice what could be the problem?

 

[CarLoverJosh]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

xuv loaded on a flatbed and sent to surat. tomorrow morning we'll know what's the matter. as of yet, the clutch pedal is not returning. we have to pull it back with hand. experts please advice what could be the problem?

Dear bhvm, sorry to hear about the problem with the beast. I think when you see the reason, it may be because of the slave cylinder failing. The pressure and fluid of the clutch are used but because the cylinder fails, the pressure and fluid just flow around without doing anything which also may make the clutch stick in one place. Hope to see the beast up and running soon. Take care bro.

 

[iqbalkhuraishi]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

xuv loaded on a flatbed and sent to surat. tomorrow morning we'll know what's the matter. as of yet, the clutch pedal is not returning. we have to pull it back with hand. experts please advice what could be the problem?

Sorry to hear this, bhvm. Hope that you get your beast back soon.

Keep us updated on the RCA.

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Hello Friends,
Got an Update from the dad.
They have hired a hotel for Stay for senior citizens and dad has gone to service center.
The service guys have arranged Snack and Lunch for dad , but it remains to be seen if they also compensate Hotel Room charges.

They are dismantling the Gearbox (looks like a tough Job) and only then we will know whats wrong.

Meanwhile They're also insisting on Full service Including-
Engine Oil change, Filters change
AC filters change
Wheel alignment/Rotation/Balancing
Various top-up and wash.

I have changed Engine oil at 20k Kms and should I replace it so soon? (Current 32k Kms)


@CarLoverJosh
The problem is exactly as you said. They have fixed the Slave cylinder and are preparing to put it back.
Shall I Insist complete clutch replacement?
Please reply soon

 

[CarLoverJosh]

“Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Yes insist on a full clutch replacement even if they say the problem will not occur if you leave it like that. Better to be safe than sorry. Changing the oil shouldnt really matter because you changed it recently but should also do no harm. Just be aware of the money you are spending.

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Can you ask the service center people if there is a way to detect the problem beforehand like by checkin the slave cylinder etc? I am planning for a long ride of 5k kms and have done close to 27000km.

A similar thing has also happened with a friend of mine twice.

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

twice? that's bad.
will clutch replacement take a lot of time? we have already wasted a day for this issues and they don't want to stay 2nd night for it.

will they pay hotel charges too?

 

[CarLoverJosh]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

twice? that's bad.
will clutch replacement take a lot of time? we have already wasted a day for this issues and they don't want to stay 2nd night for it.

will they pay hotel charges too?

Well bhvm, even if it takes a little time insist on it. Personally i don't think the charges should be included of the hotel stay. Try for the clutch getting replaced. Like i said better be safe than sorry.

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Situation Update-

Dad collected the vehicle yesterday at 4PM. (actually he was in a hurry as the senior citizens were exactly not pleased). He is now continuing his pilgrimage which is 2.5~3K Kms. He will roam around Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodra and small villages around these. Clutch feel is the same as eariler.

The clutch slave cylinder was replaced, The Clutch was NOT replaced. Any other servicing was not carried out.

Bill from Mahindra- 0/ Rs. (includes towing, Parts and labor)
Expenses from our side-
Hotel stay- 5K Inr
Taxi and Bus fares- 1k
Time wasted 25 Hours.
These things were NOT reimbiursed

Overall treatment from dealer was good and Prompt (President motors, Surat)

What do you experts suggest on this?
1) Shall I insist clutch replacement on Next regular service?
2) Shall I insist reimbursement of Hotel and taxi charges?

P.S- Looks like this is a known problem and Mahindra has NOT informed us about the issues-
http://madrives.com/clutch-problems-mahindra-xuv-500recalling-affected-units/
http://autoportal.com/news/mahindra-xuv-500-recalled-over-faulty-clutch-.html
http://www.cartoq.com/mahindra-recalls-select-xuv500-crossovers-for-a-hush-hush-clutch-replacement/

I'm exactly dishearned by knowing that Mahindra used my family as test subjects without replacing the parts during regular service or offering a recall.

Kinshuk, Show them this thread and get the cylinders and Clutch replaced Pronto! If you browse T- B HP forums, there are atleast 6 known cases now.
I say we both write to Customercare? Do let me know so we can shoot the mails at same time.

 

[CarLoverJosh]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

Situation Update-

Dad collected the vehicle yesterday at 4PM. (actually he was in a hurry as the senior citizens were exactly not pleased). He is now continuing his pilgrimage which is 2.5~3K Kms. He will roam around Ahmedabad, Anand, Vadodra and small villages around these. Clutch feel is the same as eariler.

The clutch slave cylinder was replaced, The Clutch was NOT replaced. Any other servicing was not carried out.

Bill from Mahindra- 0/ Rs. (includes towing, Parts and labor)
Expenses from our side-
Hotel stay- 5K Inr
Taxi and Bus fares- 1k
Time wasted 25 Hours.
These things were NOT reimbiursed

Overall treatment from dealer was good and Prompt (President motors, Surat)

What do you experts suggest on this?
1) Shall I insist clutch replacement on Next regular service?
2) Shall I insist reimbursement of Hotel and taxi charges?

P.S- Looks like this is a known problem and Mahindra has NOT informed us about the issues-
Clutch Problems In Mahindra XUV 500,Recalling Affected Units - MaDrives
Mahindra XUV 500 recalled over faulty clutch - AutoPortal
Mahindra XUV500 SUV Crossover Clutch Recall in India | Cartoq - Honest Car Advice

I'm exactly dishearned by knowing that Mahindra used my family as test subjects without replacing the parts during regular service or offering a recall.

Kinshuk, Show them this thread and get the cylinders and Clutch replaced Pronto! If you browse T- B HP forums, there are atleast 6 known cases now.
I say we both write to Customercare? Do let me know so we can shoot the mails at same time.

Well good that now the beast is fine. Anyways, what do you mean by that the clutch is same? Is it still getting stuck? Take care and i would suggest that drive the car around and see if you find even the slightest problem, then get the clutch replaced.

 

[bhvm]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

I mean that clutch is working fine.
there's no difference compared to new vehicle.

 

[manuman]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

@bhvm: sorry, was away from home hence could not review your post earlier.

As @carloverjosh suggested, insist on full clutch replacement; my friend's car clutch plates were replaced too.

Earlier when I faced this problem, I wrote to customercare@mahindra.com and received prompt response from Gupta.Sanjoy@mahindra.com who is a senior exec (who directed me to Karnataka state head customer care person). There was constant follow-up until the issue was fixed to my satisfaction.

If you are in twitter, get in touch with Mr. Anand Mahindra directly (twitter handle - @anandmahindra). Perhaps he will direct us to someone senior in Mahindra. Let me know if you want me to get in touch with Mr. Anand Mahindra.

 

[kinshuk.arya]

Re: “Thunderbolt” XUV 5OO Detailed Review (Decals, Audio, LED, Mods++)

This aint a new issue bhvm, it had been there since the beginning and in the first lot the % was way too high to be ignored. During that time they used to replace the slave cylinder during the service and in case of clutch failure the entire assembly was being replaced.

My friend already have had the clutch assembly replaced under warranyt but now just after 22k next time it got bust. Now the service center guys are saying it is becuase of wear and tear. He already has a thread going on somewhere in TAI let me find it. http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/f...ch-plate-flywheel-gone-bad-twice-49k-kms.html

Name is harishsangwan.

I will ask him to get in touch with you.

I have to leave for a 5k run in Jan end so was planning to get the 30k service before that will discuss this thing with my RM and service manager as well, if there is a way to find out which clutch design is being used and how to distinguish or do we have to wait for the clutch to go bust.

@XUV owners do keep an eye on your clutch if it stays depressed.

Did anybody tell you whats the issue with the slave cylinder?