A burnt smell can occur when the clutch slips enough to generate excessive heat. This may happen because of clutch wear, repeated slipping, heavy loads, difficult driving conditions or another problem that prevents the clutch from fully engaging.
An occasional odor after unusually demanding driving does not by itself identify a failed clutch, but a recurring burning smell deserves attention. Certified Transmission in Bellevue can inspect the system and determine whether excessive clutch slippage or another condition is responsible.