I believe it's that way by design. The car will shut off if a door is opened ONLY if it was started by the remote starter. If you start the car normally then it will stay running if the doors are opened or closed. It's a safety feature designed so that if an unauthorized open the doors the car won't continue running and the car will be where you left it.. Around here, it's a ticket if the police find a car running with nobody in it. (like running into a QT for coffee) The remote start issue would be a fun one to battle in court. (any takers ?) Many cars are stolen in the driveways while warming u with the owners warming up inside their homes. Personally, I like this design.