NHTSA Complaint #11618350 — 2024 WINNEBAGO EKKO

The second alternator, manufactured by Balmar and installed by Winnebago, failed. It began producing an audible whine whose pitch and volume corresponded approximately to engine RPM. The power output from the alternator began dropping, eventually reaching about 10-20% of normal. Additionally, after some time (several hours of driving), an odor of burning plastic was detected. At that time, we stopped the vehicle and disconnected this alternator, and the whine and odor has ceased since. No smoke or fire was detected, but we do suspect damage to the alternator, and have left it disconnected in the interest of safety. The primary alternator in the Ford chassis does not appear to be affected, only the secondary Balmar alternator installed by Winnebago. Note that a previous NHTSA recall applied to this vehicle model for apparently similar issues, but our unit was manufactured subsequent to and was not subject to that recall. We have service scheduled with a service center in the near future, but at this time have not yet had the system inspected or the problem confirmed by any other party.