I have a used 2007 Dodge Caravan that seems to enjoy eating people. My husband has been caught in the rear hatch at least 3 different times, and myself once. I'm worried my children are going to be next.

Typically what happens - someone will use the remote entry or the interior button to open the automatic rear hatch. Then the car gets jostled slightly, typically from a child climbing in or out of the car at the same time the door is opening. Then the rear hatch automatically closes before it is completely open. On all occassions that this has happened with someone underneath even when the door is wacking us on the head and pinning us in it continues to close, we have to sneak our way out before we are trapped.

I always thought these cars had obstacle detection systems in the doors to keep people from getting themselves, limbs, etc. caught in them. Has anyone else had this problem? Is this something that maybe that can be serviced and fixed or is this normal functionality?

Thanks!!

 

Yes and no. There isn't a sensor that can see when something is there, but when any kind of resistance is put on the motor, it will reverse. So if it is opening and it feels added resistance it will close, if it is closing and it feels added resistance it will open. Rear hatches are very heavy, so when the van is rocked while the door is opening that force ends up translating into alot of resistance on the mechanism. Try not to rock the van while the mechanism is working and you should be fine.