Because alternators eventually wear out - just like most other car parts !
It may be that you need a new alternator.
Any part can be defective even a new part. They are made by man therefore mistakes can and are made in their construction. Just be thankful it failed while the car was under warranty.
First start the car then pull off the positive on the battery if the car dies than you need a new alternator if the car keeps running u may need a new battery. A word of caution, testing an alternator that way can cause damage to the alternator. The alternator needs power to make power unlike the old generators from the past.
Your alternator is probably not keeping the battery charged while the car is running. You need a new alternator!!
The car may need a new alternator.
A new battery or one that tested good is in the vehicle and the car is still losing power. the alternator is what charges the battery while the vehicle is operating.
When the alternator goes bad or goes out completely, the car's battery will be drained. I suggest you pull the alternator and have it tested. If the alternator is bad, you will most likely need a new battery as well. The cost is around $200.00.
if your car will not stay charged, try running radio lights and all sorts of things that plug in to ac plug and if your car dies you need a new alternator
i need help with my new alternator.
More likely the bearings in your alternator wearing out. Get a new alternator.
the regulator in your alternator must be in trouble remove the alternator and take it to an alternator repair shop or fit a new alternator
i also own a 96 passat GLX VR6 and it is alot of work to change the alternator in a vr6 you pretty much have to take the front of the car off you need to remove the headlights to get to the raidator then you have to remove the radator to get to the alternator from there its a pretty simple process you need to remove the belt from the alternator then remove the bolts that hold it on and put the new one on and use a screwdriver to replace the belt onto your new alternator then you have to put the whole front of the car back on hope that helps