2011 Dodge Durango: whining or grinding noise

Filed Oct 23, 2018 · Electrical · 103,000 miles · WI

While driving on highway there was a whining noise coming from the engine. Then dashboard lights started turning on an off randomly, the touchscreen went out. Less than a minute later the entire electrical system shut down and the car completely stopped working. Traveling 45 MPH on a busy highway when this happened. Steered the car to the shoulder. There was a burning smell and smoke coming from the engine. Under the hood, it looked like the alternator and/or battery were smoking. Had the car towed to the dealer. I found that there is a recall on 2011 dodge durango for a faulty alternator but my dealer told me that my VIN is not part of the current recall.

Filed Aug 18, 2017 · Electrical · 105,000 miles · SC

While driving, a load whining noise started coming from the engine compartment. Shortly after, the A/C started blowing hot air. We stopped the vehicle and turned off the engine. When I opened the hood, smoke was coming from the alternator and it was very hot. When I got the vehicle home the battery was drained of electrical power. The alternator was removed and the battery post had a short circuit to ground.

Filed Oct 27, 2016 · Electrical · 72,000 miles · WI

Upon starting my 2011 dodge durango I noticed a whining noise coming from my engine. Drove around the parking lot for another for a minute to see if the noise would stop, I parked the car turned it off and started it again the noise was still there. I drove the car towards my home, the noise stopped about 5 minutes later the battery light came on. I took the car to the nearest auto store for them to test the battery. Upon opening the hood of my car smoke came pouring out with an awful burning smell. I was advised that I was not to drive my car that it was cause more damage due to the alternator being very hot to the touch and smoking. My vehicle was fixed, the problem was the alternator, my vehicle has 72,000 miles. This is the 4th major issue with my vehicle.

Filed Jun 26, 2016 · Electrical · 56,800 miles · NY

My 2011 dodge durango started to make a "whining" sound when accelerated while driving on a highway. Approximately 2-3 miles, after the noise started, a light on the instrument panel came on. Luckily, we were just pulling into our driveway. My alternator failed at 56.8k miles. Apparently, the alternator originally installed was not part of recall p60. This vehicle has been recalled for every other problem associated with a 2011 durango. Have never had to replace an alternator in any other vehicle I have owned with a lot more miles than this one. Seems like more than just a coincident.

Filed Apr 28, 2016 · Electrical · 77,000 miles · FL

I was driving back home (city, low traffic), I had just had my 2 months old battery tested at advance auto, when my battery indicator turned on again. It had turned on yesterday for 1st time. I turned off the radio and I could hear a high pitch whining noise coming from the engine. I pulled in my driveway and the car stalled. Got out of the car and smelled something being burnt. Open up the hood and there was a lot of smoke coming out of the alternator.

Filed Sep 21, 2015 · Electrical · 53,400 miles · CO

I own a 2011 dodge durango citadel with 53,000 miles. Was leaving my house when the car started making a high pitched whine, turned around went back home, turned off the car, could smell burning when I got out of the car. Opened the hood and the alternator (220 amp) was smoking. If I would have driven any longer the alternator most likely would have caught fire and could have burnt my car to the ground.

Filed Aug 3, 2015 · Electrical, Lights · 61,659 miles · OK

I was on my way to work today when I noticed a burning smell and then the battery light came on. Due to heavy traffic I couldn't pull to the side. I got farther down the road and heard a loud whining noise. When I arrived at work I contacted the local dodge dealership to speak with the service department about this incident. I was told that it sounds like the alternator but that my vehicle was not covered in the recent recall since I have the 180amp alternator. The recall was only for the 160 amp alternators. I was shocked since my vehicle only has 61,000 miles on it. Researching this problem online I found numerous complaints from people having the same identical problem with the 180amp alternator (with the same make model and year) that caused the recall of the 160amp alternators. I have contacted dodge to see if they would stand by their product and do the right thing concerning this. Once again they have failed me. Consumers are reporting an average of $1400 to have the alternator replaced with no recall or warranty. I have 4 pictures of my soot covered alternator ( I am a firefighter I know what electrical soot looks and smells like). This is very concerning to think I could lose my durango could catch fire, loose power and stall in traffic, cause an accident or have my wife stranded on the side of the road due to this.

Filed Nov 14, 2014 · Electrical · 26,000 miles · CO

For several days my car has been making a high pitched whining noise coming from under the hood. After reading several similar complaints online im assuming it was the alternator. Finally on 11/13/14 just as I had left my house the cars electrical system went haywire, all my warnings lights came on and then the car stalled and wont restart. Luckily my family and I weren't injured but now im faced with waiting for the recall to push through or dish out $1100.00 to have the alternator fixed...

Filed May 31, 2013 · Lights, Steering · 75 miles · KY

Traded in 2005 town and country in nov 2010 to 2010 town and country numerous problems also had major brake issues nearly causing accident at four way interchange. Traded it in taking neg.equity to 2011 durango in oct 2011 it has numerous issue including up and down idle bulbs blowing when washed thru auto wash AC probs. Power steering begining whine noise had brakes repaired hard shifting computer flashed dealer cant figure out problems called corporation waiting for reply.