We recently purchased a 2009 Volkswagen Routan SE with both driver and passenger automatic sliding doors. Our 4 year old son went to open the rear passenger side door by pulling on the handle, and at the same time my husband went to open the door by pushing the "door open" button on the key. As a result of this, the door ended up closing completely, and latching, on my son's hand. It also would only open once my husband forcefully pulled the door open. Of course his hand immediately swelled up and we visited the emergency department, had xray's taken, and there was no incidence of a fracture. When we reported this directly to Volkswagen of America, we were instructed to bring it to the local dealer and have diagnostics done. The result" "there is nothing wrong with your vehicle." They went on to explain to us that the anti pinch protection is working, but is not designed to sense such a small object. Volkswagen of America assured us that this matter was not taken lightly, and that the engineering department came to the conclusion that the door was functioning properly. When we addressed any further actions, ie replacement of door, vehicle, or termination of our lease agreement, we were told, "we are sorry for this unfortunate accident, but accidents happen and there is nothing more we can do for you." When we expressed our concern that our 4 year old son is petrified of our car, and that he refuses to get into the vehicle by himself, let alone open the door alone, we were told, "I am sure he will get over it after a while." These answers are not acceptable to us. For a car that is marketed as a family mobile and a safe vehicle, we feel that it does not live up to it's claims. It makes no sense why an automatic door would be designed to sense something bigger than a child's hand, limb, or other body part. What goes hand in hand with a minivan" a child! we feel we have been neglected due to the lack of caring or importance that this matter has been given.

- Swampscott, MA, USA