- Recurring IMT Clutch Actuator FailureRepair Bill for Manufacturer s Defect No Resolution Despite SR ^Open

Navit Sethi filed this complaint against KIA INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED on Mar 09, 2026

Vehicle Details:
Registration No.: PB**EB****
VIN: MZBFF***LLN******
Engine No.: G*LCLV******
Odometer: **,*** km
Kia India SR No.: ********
NCH Docket No.: *******
The Problem:
My vehicle has been rendered completely immobile for the SECOND TIME due to failure of the IMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) Clutch Actuator. The gears will not shift and the car cannot be driven. This is the exact same failure that occurred previously, making this a clear case of a recurring manufacturing defect and not an isolated incident.
The Clutch Actuator is a fully electronic, driver-independent component that is exclusive to Kia's proprietary IMT technology. The driver has no physical interaction with the clutch in an IMT vehicle — it is controlled entirely by sensors and electronics. Under no circumstances can its failure be attributed to driver misuse or negligence.
The Repair Estimate Demanded:
Speedways Kia has presented the following repair estimate:

Clutch Set: ₹**,***
Clutch Bearing: ₹**,***
Both Axle Seals: ₹*,***
Flywheel Main Seal: ₹*,***
Clutch Actuator: ₹**,***
Labour: ₹*,***
Total: ₹*,**,***

I have NOT approved this estimate. Kia India is attempting to charge me nearly ₹* lakh for a single proprietary component whose failure is entirely due to a manufacturing/design defect.
Why Warranty Expiry Is Not a Valid Defence:
The standard and extended warranty expired on **/**/****. However, under the Consumer Protection Act, ****, warranty expiry does not absolve a manufacturer of liability for inherent or recurring defects. The following facts establish this as an inherent defect:

This is the second failure of the same component and same system.
The vehicle has covered only **,*** km in *.* years — abnormally low mileage for a component failure of this magnitude.
The driver has zero control over the Clutch Actuator — its failure cannot result from owner behaviour.
Kia India marketed the IMT system as a reliable, innovative technology at the point of sale — repeated failure of its core component constitutes a breach of that representation.

Kia India's Response So Far:
I raised a formal complaint with Kia India Customer Relations. They acknowledged it under SR No. ******** and stated they were sharing details with Speedways Kia. Since then, despite multiple follow-up emails, all I have received are template responses repeating warranty terms and vague references to an open-ended "internal review" with no timeline, no commitment, and no resolution.
I have also filed a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline, registered under Docket No. *******.
The vehicle continues to sit at the Speedways Kia workshop with no resolution in sight.
Relief Sought:

Complete repair of vehicle at NO COST to me on grounds of inherent and recurring manufacturing defect — all parts and labour as per the estimate.
If full no-cost repair is not conceded, Kia India must bear the cost of the Clutch Actuator (₹**,***) and Labour (₹*,***) at the absolute minimum.
Compensation for loss of use of vehicle from the date of breakdown.
Compensation for mental harassment and financial inconvenience caused by repeated breakdown and the company's deliberate delay tactics.

Documents Available:

Repair estimate from Speedways Kia
All email correspondence with Kia India and Speedways Kia
NCH complaint confirmation (Docket *******)
Vehicle RC and purchase documents
Job cards from both breakdowns

I am fully prepared to escalate this to the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission if Voxya's intervention does not produce a satisfactory resolution.

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