NHTSA Complaint #11611380 — 2011 DODGE DURANGO

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while exiting her residential driveway, driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact stated that several warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she heard a noise that came from the engine compartment. The contact stopped the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle to perform an inspection under the hood. The contact stated that when the hood was raised, the contact noticed smoke and fire. The contact immediately closed the hood and the fire burned out. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed alternator. The contact was advised that due to the failure and the fire, the PCM, the valve cover gaskets, the battery, and the alternator needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that due to the fire, the labels for the alternator were not visible. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall that had a similar failure description, however, the contact's VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 210,000.