2011 3.2 with 144k miles. We usually leave the key in the ignition with ignition turned off. Ocaissionaly, the car refuses to start when I turn the key. Power comes on but starter is not engaged. I have been able to jump it to make it work. I replaced the battery. My daughter borrowed the car and she always removes the key from the ignition and she had no issues. I started the car, drove 3 miles to grocery, turned off for 20 minutes while I shopped and it refused to engage the starter. I took key out of ignition, waited 5 minutes and it worked fine. Any thoughts?

 

Yeah, don't leave the key in the ignition for the next 18 months.

If your problem doesn't reappear, you'll know for certain it was a bad practice.

Seriously, these new fangled cars have circuit protection stuff which energizes relays which isolate certain systems, like the air bags, from spikes.