Alternator/generator/regulator problems of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner

The contact owns a 1998 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that a small fire erupted under the hood after driving the vehicle for 100 miles. The contact saw smoke coming from under the hood and when the hood was opened, there were flames coming from the alternator. The fire damaged the wiring harness but was extinguished quickly. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the alternator was replaced. The dealer advised that the fire was started by a defective voltage regulator to the alternator. The dealer stated the battery, abs and alternator lights should have illuminated as a warning but the contact had not received warning of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and advised the contact that the failure was a maintenance issue. The failure mileage was 101,000 and the current mileage was 102,000.