GM recalls 717,302 minivans

DETROIT, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- Federal auto safety regulators say General Motors is recalling more than 700,000 minivans because of a hazard from the inside handle on power sliding doors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 21 complaints about power sliding doors on 1997-2005 GM minivans, including 13 that caused broken bones.

"If a passenger uses the interior handle to open the power sliding door and holds onto the latch while it is being opened by the motor, the passenger's arm may be pushed into the back seat or armrest and a wrist or lower arm injury may result," NHTSA said.

GM had 91 reports of wrist or lower arm injuries from power sliding doors, CBS Marketwatch said.

Minivan owners were advised to open and close the sliding power door using switches or with the remote key.

The recall, expected to begin in March, affects 717,302 1997-2005 model Chevrolet Venture, 1997-1999 Pontiac Transport, 1997-2005 Pontiac Montana and 1997-2004 Oldsmobile Silhouette minivans.