NHTSA Complaint #11593695 — 2011 DODGE DURANGO

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact's wife detected an abnormally strong smoke odor inside the vehicle. The windshield wipers were inadvertently activated, and the instrument panel flickered. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact, his wife, and his mother-in-law were able to exit the vehicle safely. No injuries were sustained. The contact checked under the hood and saw flames coming from the alternator; however, the flames extinguished themselves before the firefighters arrived on the scene. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was first towed to the contact's mother-in-law's residence, then to the dealer, where it was determined that the alternator had malfunctioned due to the age of the vehicle. The contact was informed that the alternator and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 230,000.