2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Apr 17, 2026 · Airbags · 187,000 miles · UT · crash

The contact owned a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40-45 MPH, the vehicle rear-ended another Jeep vehicle stopped at the red light; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact mentioned that there was no brake pedal depressed in attempts to stop, therefore the vehicle was going at full speed. The windshield washer fluid warning light was flashing, and there was smoke coming from the driver's side front end of the vehicle after the crash. The contact stated that the radiator was caved in due to the impact. The contact did not sustain major injuries. The vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. A police report was filed. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000. The VIN and the License plate numbers were not available.

Filed Feb 5, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA · fire

On February 3, Tuesday drove home from work. The battery light came on. I Drove to AutoZone and they placed it on Diagnostic reader. The diagnostic reader said that the battery had no charge. They told me I need a new battery. I replaced the battery. The next morning, I placed the jeep into auto start. So the Jeep can warm up. When I went outside, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the Jeep. I quickly turn off the Jeep and pop the hood. My husband open the hood and can see smoke coming from the alternator. He turned around to turn off his vehicle that was running. I started to video recording the incident and stopped it right away when I started to see flames coming out of the alternator. My husband and I quick action was to grab snow that was next to the Jeep to throw it onto the alternator to put the fire out. It took multiple piles of snow that the husband went and grabbed the fire extinguisher and sprayed the alternator to extinguish the fire. Once the fire was extinguished. We kept an eye out to make sure everything was good. We left the hood up to cool things down. We called morgan Towing to have the Jeep towed to their location to look at the situation. Morgan Towing picked the jeep up on February 4 Wednesday. They replaced the serpentine belt and the alternator. They called us to let us know the Jeep was done. Picked up the Jeep today, February 5 Thursday. I Drove it literally down the street and I can smell strong odor of smoke along with the battery light came back on. I turned back around and brought it back to Morgan Towing. I called my auto insurance and waiting to hear back from them. I am going to call the Dodge Jeep dealership and see what they have to say if if there’s was any recall on the Jeep. Upon my research so far, I didn’t see no recall but again I’m gonna call the dealership.

Filed Jul 21, 2025 · Electrical · 89,900 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low battery warning light illuminated and there was heavy smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, there was a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V634000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 89,900.

Filed Jul 8, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MI · fire

Alternator caught fire

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Electrical · IL

While my wife was driving, there was a noticable whining sound that was followed by heat, burning smell and smoke coming into the cabin. After taking in for service, I was told that the problem was the alternator which would have caught fire or failed without warning increasing the risk of a crash. Upon learning it was the alternator I discovered that there were 2 separate recalls (P60 and & T36) for defective alternators for 2012-2014 vehicles. "The alternator diodes on your vehicle may experience a rapid failure. Variability in the failure mode ranges from no output, reduced output, and/or a fully shorted to ground condition. Depending on the alternator failure mode and timing, vehicle electrical system voltage may drop to critical levels, disabling systems such as Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Control Module (ECM), and/or the Central Body Controller (CBC). The driver will have limited or no detection of the alternator failing, which can result in vehicle shutdown while driving and/or an underhood electrical fire." Something terrible could have happened to my wife. Thankfully it did not. When I was told that my vehicle was not included because it is a 2011 I was angry and frustrated which is why I am reporting this to you. I am questioning why the federal safety agency - would not include 2011 vehicles in the safety recall as the problem with the alternator is the same. Am I supposed to believe that the defective alternator in my vehicle is not the same as the ones that are in the 2012 when they are having the exact same problem? Along with the anger I feel because of the danger it posed to my family, I am equally frustrated that the repair is not covered under the costly repair because my VIN didn't not fall under the recall.

Filed Jul 28, 2023 · Electrical · TX

Alternator failed while driving with no signs or warning. No emergency lamps came on. The air conditioning nearly quit blowing suddenly while driving and a high pitch whine was heard that corresponded to the acceleration. Then I began to smell burning. By the time I pulled over, smoke was coming out from under the hood. It is now in the shop having the alternator replaced.

Filed Jul 9, 2023 · Electrical · OK

Alternator started smoking almost cought on fire and PCM probably bad too due to alternator going out, me and wife got scared when we saw smoke coming out of underneath hood. Battery light turned on a few minutes before smoke started, but car didn't shut off

Filed Jun 27, 2023 · WA · fire

My alternator caught fire. Car won’t start.

Filed May 25, 2023 · Electrical · 197,000 miles · NJ · fire

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 30 MPH she observed that the check battery light had illuminated. The contact stated that his wife had smelled a burning smell and returned to the residence. The contact stated that he started the vehicle and was checking the battery using a volt meter and he noted that it was only showing 12.1 volts. The contact turned the vehicle off and was returning tools to his workshop when he noted a burning smell. The contact opened the hood and observed a stream of white smoke emitted from the alternator and suddenly the alternator had burst into flames. The contact stated that he extinguished the flame using a garden hose and disconnected the battery terminals due to a clicking sound he heard coming from the alternator. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had removed the alternator and wanted it to be examined. The contact had researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2022 · Electrical · MA

Battery light came on then went off so I thought maybe it was all the rain we had? When locking my car I noticed the horn was very low. I replaced my battery last year so I knew that was good. When I tried to start I got nothing! Tried jumping without any luck. Had it towed to my mechanic who could smell the burning parts. Changed the battery, alternator and is now changing the computer. Not only has this been very expensive to fix but the thought of it just happening while I was driving still is on my mind! Not much of a warning! I am just lucky the whole car didn't go up in flames!

Filed Jul 25, 2021 · Electrical · MS · fire

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Alternator shorted and/or failed diode causing a fire under the hood. Started the vehicle and heard a strange noise from under the hood. Turned the vehicle off and opened the hood. Upon opening the hood smoke bellowed out. I could see an electrical component inside the alternator glowing red. The component glowed red and smoked until the battery was completely drained. While the vehicle didn't start on fire if it had this could have caused a large amount of damage as at the time of the incident the vehicle was parked inside a airport parking garage. Jeep has a recall for 2012 - 2014 models. The 2011 model year needs to be added to the recall. The failed alternator is available for inspection. Failed Component: Alternator, available for inspection Safety/Risk: Vehicle Fire Problem Confirmed By Dealer: Vehicle still in garage, to be towed 7/26/2021 Component Inspected: No Warnings: Unusual noise

Filed Apr 29, 2021 · Electrical, Seats · 110,000 miles · TN · fire

While the vehicle was parked, unoccupied, locked, and the motor was not running, apparently the driver's side seat caught fire. I did not see the actual flames, but I did open the driver door to find the bottom cushion and most of the electrical wiring in the driver seat melted and charred and a thick layer of soot on everything in the vehicle.