Started the car and heard a high pitched whining coming from engine compartment. Reversed the vehicle about 20-25 feet and smelled burning rubber and then smoke started coming from the engine compartment. Turned off the vehicle and opened the hood, and saw that smoke was coming from the alternator. The alternator continued to smoke for approximately 15-20 minutes. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic as it was completely inoperable at this point, and we had to have the alternator and battery replaced, as well as a wiring harness. The replaced alternator was shown to us by the mechanic and it was black and melted in spots. This seems related to NHTSA Safety Recall T36/NHTSA 17V-435, but NHTSA site is showing no open recalls for the vehicle and Chrysler insists the vehicle is not under any recalls.