Mazda BT50 Clutch failure

Howdy folks, Just thought in case their are any owners out there of a manual Mazda BT50 or the Ford Ranger equivalent that some owners including me have experienced premature clutch failure.

Our vehicle is the three litre CRD high body 4X2 dual cab that we purchased new in May 2007 & has done 30,000 K's.

Clutch started slipping, so took it down to our local dealer. I have just picked it up after the clutch plate, pressure plate, fly wheel & throw out bearing have all been replaced under warranty. Apparently the cause of failure was that the throw out bearing periodically got stuck on the shaft instead of freely sliding on the shaft which apparently ( I'm not a mechanic!!) is a bit like riding the clutch.

I know it should not have happened but full marks to Mazda who did not try to duck for cover. They were prompt & courteous in fixing it up which was a big relief to us.

I had a look on the Mazda owners forum & there were about another dozen owners or so with same problem, same vehicle, all low K's. I've been told it's a hot topic at the moment with the BT50 & Ford Rangers on other 4X4 Forums.
When I mentioned to the local service Manager that I had reason to believe it was not an uncommon problem, he told me that Mazda Australia were "not telling them much".
Anyway, just thought I would share it with you. Cheers