August 2015 Driving to a wedding 4 hours away lost a/c in vehicle when it was very warm. Made it to the wedding didn't drive vehicle all weekend. On the way back about an hour into trip battery light came on odometer began to bounce up and down began loosing power could barely make it up the hills, scared for our lives while driving on busy highway. Pulled off at an exit no service stations available still 3 hours from home. Battery light went off continued on our way home. An hour from home light came on again began to loose power, costed to nearest service station, turned vehicle off and completely dead at this point. Would not turn back on service station could not jump the vehicle and said it was the alternator but they couldn't get the part until the next day. Stranded an hour from had to call sister in law to come get us and all of our luggage, had vehicle towed to dealer where bought van. They said it was the alternator but battery was good. 456.00 and a royal PIA of a trip and major anxiety. Only 56,000 miles on the vehicle.

Our issue occurred on a trip back from DC...the dashboard battery light came on...it's a Sunday...we're 4 hours from home. We found open Auto Zone Store who tested battery and alternator...noting the alternator was bad...intermittent charge...it was suggested it may make it to destination. Continued with trip and the vehicle stalled on interstate outside of Wilkes Barr Pa... got towed to Pep Boys who confirmed it was the alternator.

That said, I just considered this normal running repairs, we spent the night in a hotel...the following morning the search began for a new alternator. This is where it gets interesting...Pep Boys didn't have one??..... 6 local Dodge dealerships called, didn't have one??, AND also advised through their database research that 300 were on back order nation wide!!

One can only conclude, if there's this much demand for a specific part to the point dealers and repair shops can't keep them on the shelves, why isn't there a recall on Dodge alternators!

My guess is since it's not a safety issue, there will never be a recall.

Leaving a parking lot and vehicle 'sounded' a bit off, but within a minute or so after leaving lot, Check Engine light popped on quickly followed close behind by ABS light, ESC and Airbag Warning. Less than a minute later A/C cut out, about 30 sec later it started blasting hot air (hotter than it does during winter). Warning lights were cycling in random order. I made another block and pulled into the grocery parking lot and turned her off. I wasn't sure what was happening at this point. Popped the hood, checked battery connections {tight}, fuse box [all fuses seated and tight]. Left the hood open and attempted to start which she did but rapidly 'died'. Male shopper tried boosting van and van started, ran a minute or so, then slowly 'died' again. Second boost did nothing to help start.

Tow Truck diver couldn’t even put her in neutral. Ended up on a flatbed and had van towed to nearby dealership; against my better judgement but AMA, [AAA equivalent in U.S.] recommended it. Service rep said alternator right off to which I countered "At 33,300 km !!! [20,710 miles], she is only 3 years old !!!. I had a 14 year old Grand Caravan that never had a new alternator. Next morning, Service Rep says alternator and battery were soaked in coolant, fan belt covered in oil - strange that I did not see or smell oil or coolant as of the day before alternator blew. I had topped up washer fluid and the engine was clean. That oil alone would have been very noticeable as I had driven at highway speeds both the day of and before.

Insurance company requested that Dealership do an electrical diagnostic, check fuse panel and ECM, that Insurance would pay for, all of which were refused by dealer. Work Order for repairs came to $1360 Canadian as warranty had expired 21 Jun 2014. Though Service Rep had clearly stated on work order that alternator and fan belt were soaking in coolant and oil, nothing was checked beyond replacing alternator and battery. My Insurance company told me that the unrepaired electrical problem(s) causing the alternator to blow could in future cause an electrical fire probably when I am driving her.

My insurance company plus the auto shop instructor (+22 years experience as mechanic) at my high school both said there is an electrical fault and the coolant/oil soak was a ruse to put me off.

This is a wheelchair van for my disabled daughter and was purchased based on positive experience with a 2005 Grand Caravan and for my piece of mind. I have a recent spinal injury and greatly depend on this vehicle to get us to medical appointments, to my employment, to church and the rare times that we can geocache. This is the first time that I have truly loved my van but now I am afraid every time I take her out. What if she catches on fire and I can’t get my daughter to safety! How can Dodge not follow through when a problem presents. Alternators do not destroy themselves at 33K kilometres. I am a Scientist as well as a Registered Nurse and I would look for the cause of the problem not repair just the problem.

Update from Oct 26, 2014: Just received an email response from Chrysler Canada Customer Service requesting a copy of Work Order be sent to them. There was the usual blurb about expired warranty [68 days prior to alternator failure], warranty coverage only due to factory defect and owner accepting financial responsibility otherwise, but it is a start. Not sure how the alternator can now be checked for factory defect as dealership refused to return it even though I would pay the core charge. Will update when I hear back from Chrysler Canada.

The battery light has been coming on and off for couple weeks now. When battery light comes on it's apparent the alternator is not charging but then sometimes light goes off and alternator starts charging again. Had charging system and battery tested & everything checks Ok when battery light is off. Was at Walmart today and van would not start when I came out. Dead battery. So I had somebody jump start me and started right up and no batt. Light on. Wtf. Called local dodge dealer to check availability on alternator. Parts guy said that's a common problem and they had sold at least six in the past couple months and always keep a few in Stock. The best part is dodge knows it's a problem and keeps them in Stock at the dealers. Parts guy explained that they don't pick what parts they keep in inventory. Dodge keeps their inventory for them except for special order parts. Wow is all can say. Dodge is aware of faulty electrical/alternator issues possibly ecm (computer). So Anyway my alternator was replaced with one identical to oem (same piece of junk) hopefully light stays off and battery stays charged.