Volkswagen is recalling nearly 16,000 of its Routan minivans due to fire hazards created by a faulty sliding door mechanism, according to recent media reports. The recall affects only 2009 models made between June 2008 and July 2009. The minivans were jointly developed with Chrysler LLC, who recently announced a similar recall of nearly 285,000 Grand Caravans and Town & Country minivans. According to reports, an improperly placed wire within the sliding door creates a risk of overheating after excessive use. Similar defects prompted Chrysler to recall its minivans earlier this month. Both the Volkswagen and Chrylser models were made in the same facility, with nearly identical modeling specs.

CBS News reports that Volkswagen was aware of "a couple of incidents" involving overheating in the minivans. Volkswagen is working with Chrysler to uncover the full extent of the danger, and whether further recalls will be necessary. Volkswagen will inspect the wire assembly of affected vehicles and will repair/replace the assembly free of charge when necessary. Owners may contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987 for more information.

If you have been injured as a result of these defective minivans, you may have the right to recover your damages. The Volkswagen recall attorneys at Houssiere, Durant & Houssiere, L.L.P. are offering free consultations to automobile consumers who have been affected by the recent minivan recalls. Our auto recall attorneys have decades of experience in representing injured automobile consumers. If you have been affected by the recent minivan recalls initiated by Chrysler or Volkswagen, the attorneys at Houssiere, Durant & Houssiere, L.L.P. urge you to contact one of their recall attorneys for a free consultation.