Yeah random failure sucks enough in real-life. At least if implemented it should be optional in the server setting.
A thing that might be improved is the gearbox simulation. We can downgrade from the top gear to the 2nd in a second with any car and it doesn't feel realistic. With the BF1 it seems more acceptable but with an XFG it feels out of touch with reality. Also, I would love if we could blow the engine while downshifting too fast. I find LFS way too forgiving with engine beating.
A huge boom with a cloud of smoke coming out of your hood, now that would make some replay values!
As for the clutch, I like that we can overheat it and if careful enough, it cools down after a while. Taking care of the car is such an overlooked part of most sim-racing games.