Mine has adjustable resistance sensors. I set it so that the door would reverse before crushing a flimsy cardboard box. If there is any additional friction in the opener from wear/tear, I will have to re-adjust or the door will likely act like yours. Check it out, but it sounds like you may have a different problem.
I have seen people set the safety light sensors on the ceiling a few inches from each other to avoid the sunlight problem, effectively avoiding the safety feature as well.
For reference, I have a Genie screw-drive.