2014 Prius Three turns itself on

I've read with interest the other posts where people describe their car turning itself on. This happened to me last night and I am 100% positive it was not user error.

I have a 2014 Prius Three which I've owned for two weeks. I read the entire manual and am very clear on its operation.

Last night, I parked in my driveway, applied the emergency brake, put the car in park, and pushed the power button. The car was definitely off.

I left my belongings (including the key) on the front seat while I ran into the house to get my dog. I walked the dog in my dark yard and I know the car's lights were not on because of this. I finished walking the dog, grabbed my belongings from inside the car, and went upstairs to my house. The car was not running and the headlights were off. The doors were also unlocked as I live in a very rural area and never lock my car.

I know for sure the car was not running because I am listening to a book on CD and would have been disturbed to hear it playing in the car without me there, when I opened the car to get my bag.

About ten minutes later, I happened to look out the window and saw that my headlights were on. I watched for 60 seconds to see if perhaps they'd turn off, and when they didn't, I went downstairs. I did not have my key in my hand at this time.

When I tried to open the driver's side door to turn off the lights, I was surprised to discover all the doors were locked and the car was running. The dash lights were illuminated and my book on CD was playing.

I tried the doors several times in disbelief, and while I stood there trying to make sense of what was happening, the car turned off and the headlights dimmed 60 seconds later.

Definitely not user error. And I'm a little worried since I just got this car and it seems to be a big mystery about what could be causing this.

Incidentally, this may be my first post on this forum, but I spent weeks reading posts here prior to purchasing my Prius. The decision about which Prius I bought came from the information I gathered on these boards. So, thank you.

 

Thanks.

The fob was only in the car for a few minutes while I walked the dog. I keep it inside with me at all other times.

I bought the car from a Lexus dealership and have a 30 day warranty from them on electrical problems. I thought I'd bring it to the forum first, since the people here are much more knowledgeable about the Prius than Lexius mechanics will be.

 

Unfortunately, yes.

 

I'm wondering if I accidentally turned on the remote AC while the key fob was in my bag.

 

The car was unlocked and the fob was in my bag in the house.

I'm thinking the remote AC (which locks the doors and turns the instrument panel on) may have been engaged. I had the fob in my bag that I carried up to my house, and it may have gotten squished in the process. I'm going to keep an eye on it. It's the only explanation I can come up with.

Thank you all for your responses. Now....

Why can't I fill the gas tank without the pump shutting off every 30 seconds?

Yesterday was my first fill-up and I couldn't put more than two gallons in because the pump kept shutting off. Help.