Dodge Durango whining noise problems

Filed Jul 14, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 651 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2026 Dodge Durango. While driving at an undisclosed speed in a rainstorm, the front window windshield wipers failed to wipe the windshield. The windshield wipers were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the instrument panel failed to display an accurate fuel level. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was caused by an inoperable hood latch and electrical wiring that was damaged. The hood latch wiring was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that later, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was bucking and hesitating, and the instrument panel became inoperable. Additionally, after starting the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the engine while the transmission was shifting gears. The local dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. While driving uphill, the vehicle stalled with the message "BRAKES" displayed. The vehicle was restarted and later returned to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. After retrieving the vehicle, approximately 500 miles later, while driving on a back road and crossing a dangerous intersection, the vehicle suddenly stalled in the middle of the intersection with oncoming traffic approaching. The vehicle suddenly restarted and drove forward moments before a collision occurred. The vehicle was immediately returned to the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 651.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine, Suspension · NJ

1) Major transmission failure, fluid leakage, and visible undercarriage corrosion on a newly leased car with under 3K miles on it. Additional: Losing vehicle function. Car would not shift into gear and would not move. Car is currently at the dealership in which it was leased. 2) Yes, huge safety concern. Losing vehicle function while traveling on a bridge—with limited ability to safely stop posed a serious risk to our safety and to others on the road. 3) Yes, problem has been confirmed by dealer. 4) The vehicle has not been inspected at this time by anyone other than the dealership in which it was leased. 5)While accelerating at approximately 30–35 mph, the vehicle began emitting a high-pitched whining noise, similar to sound of a remote-control toy car. The vehicle then started jerking back and forth during acceleration. Shortly after, the “Check Engine” light illuminated. We activated our hazard lights, reduced speed to approximately 10-20 mph, exited the bridge, and pulled into an emergency stopping area. There was no prior warning that there was a problem.

Filed Sep 20, 2024 · Electrical · NY

Red battery symbol lit up on the dashboard Noticed electrical burning smell. Stopped and turned car off. Checked around and under hood. Battery symbol went off so I drove short distance back home. Noticed loud whining noise, looked like the start of an electrical fire inside alternator and lots of smoke. Quickly turned car off. My alternator part number matches alternators that are part of a T36 recall involving defective alternators, but for some reason my VIN is not included in the “VIN range” even though my year make and model is. It is the same defective part, which failed, and could cause damage to other parts. The alternator and whatever parts that were damaged should be covered under the recall. This part almost caused my car to catch on fire. Luckily I was home. But what if I was on the road in traffic with my kids in the car.

Filed Aug 28, 2020 · Engine · 95,000 miles · AR · fire

When I first started my car, I heard a whining noise that didn't sound normal, but was not overly loud. About 5 minutes later (maybe less), as I was traveling down a town road doing 30mph the car shut off. My electrical system still worked as the radio and air conditioning were on. I pulled into a driveway of a business (without power steering) and parked. I was going to check to see if everything looked normal and see if maybe the fuel pump relay had an issue. My fuel pump relay had previously been repaired in 2015 due to the federal safety agency recall # 15v‑115. However, in may 2019, the car stopped running when it was driving 70mph down an interstate. I was informed by dodge that the fuel pump relay would not be covered under the previous recall for a second time because it had expired after 2 years. In november 2019, I received another recall notification for the fuel pump relay (the federal safety agency recall # 19v‑813); however, it was incomplete because parts were not available. When I opened the door, I smelled burning rubber but did not observe any smoke. After I was able to pop the hood, I saw a small flame in the area of the alternator. I immediately got my two children (ages 3 and 6) out of the car and called 911. My husband arrived before the fire truck, but the 911 operator told us not to try to put out the fire with the fire extinguisher he brought. The car was a total loss by the time the fire was put out by firefighters. I'm just thankful, for one, that my children and I made it safely out of the car, and for another, that I did not make it the mile and a half left to home and get parked in my carport before my car caught fire. I was informed of the federal safety agency recall # 17v‑435 relating to alternator failure and can't help but wonder, due to the location of the flame, if my VIN should've been included in that recall, but was not.*dt*jb*dt*jb*dt*jb*dt*jb*dt

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 Jul 20, 2017 · Electrical · 106,750 miles · TX

Driving 55mph, battery light comes on, the engine starts whining and I start to lose power as I pull into my driveway. Check manual and it says the battery light is the electrical charging system. I get out of the car and smell an electrical burning smell. Manual says take to dealer for service. Service confirms the electical burning smell came from a bad alternator. Check for recalls and one just came out july 11, 2017 recall # t36 for this exact problem I just had. I send recall info to dodge service and they claim my VIN doesn't fall under the recall. How in the world does it not fall under the recall when it is doing exactly what the recall was stating?

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 Jul 18, 2016 · Electrical · 58,000 miles · OH · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 dodge durango. While driving 55 MPH, the battery warning light illuminated and a whining sound was heard. In addition, while parked, an odor of burnt wires was noticed in the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 58,000.

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.