NHTSA Complaint #10098529 — 2004 CHEVROLET VENTURE

WE RENTED A 2004 CHEVY VENTURE MINIVAN FROM AVIS AT PHILA AIRPORT. THE MINIVAN COMES EQUIPPED WITH A REMOTE-CONTROLLED POWER SLIDING DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. WE WONDERED IF THE DOOR HAD AN AUTO-REVERSE TO PREVENT IT FROM CLOSING ON SOMETHING. WE COULD IMAGINE THAT WITH THE REMOTE CONTROL, SOMEONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VAN OR INTHE DRIVER'S SEAT COULD CLOSE THE DOOR WITHOUT SEEING THAT THERE WAS A CHILD, FOR EXAMPLE, SITTING OR LYING ACROSS THE DOORWAY. SO WE DECIDED TO TEST IT. WE HELD A 1/2 INCH THICK STICK AGAINST THE DOORFRAME AND CLOSED THE DOOR WITH THE REMOTE. IF THERE IS AN AUTO-REVERSE, IT DID NOT OPERATE! THE DOOR CLOSED ON THE STICK WITH SUCH FORCE THAT IT PULLED THE STICK OUT OF THE TESTER'S HAND AND CRUSHED THE STICK AGAINST THE DOORFRAME. IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD DO TO A CHILD'S HAND OR LEG! OR NECK, GOD FORBID! WHAT IS THIS MINIVAN DOING ON THE MARKET????*AK