There are several indicators that you may need a new clutch. Some of the symptoms of a bad clutch include grinding noises, issues getting into gear, and a noisy clutch pedal. Replacing a clutch is just part of normal car maintenance. Clutches typically last 50,000-100,000 miles but can be burned out much sooner if not used properly.
If your automatic is having issues with gear shifts or the transmission is slipping, the torque converter may be at fault. While it's possible to repair a torque converter, it's usually more cost-efficient to replace it.