Was traveling down the road when the "volts" light came on. I read the owner's manual and it said to turn off all electronics such as radio, air conditioning etc. And not to drive the vehicle. I was able to get it to a Goodyear retailer who provided mechanical service. They tested the alternator and said that it was not putting out any amperage. They also said that this is a factory defective design since the alternator is located next to the engine and the heat from the engine eventually causes the diodes within the alternator to go bad. He also said that this is commonly seen around 60,000 miles on these vehicles. I am extremely disappointed with this because it could have left me stranded on the side of the road with little warning. This is not a "maintenance" item that should go bad within 3 years and there is no way to protect yourself (such as a maintenance check) if it happens. I had a Toyota for 11 years and only replaced the alternator once after 150,000 miles. No alternator should go bad this quickly.

- Peachtree City, GA, USA