I have a 2006 FEH with about 3500 miles on it. So far until this morning I have been very pleased with the performance of the vehicle.
However, after driving about 10 of the normal 15 miles to work today, the vehicle experienced some significant problems.
For the last 5 miles, whenever I either slowed down below 30-35 mph or stopped at a stoplight, the engine would not shut off and go to EV mode.

When I shut the vehicle off, but left the key in the ignition, I could hear the fan in the back of the vehicle running as if to cool down the HV battery.

I tried the following things, but could not get the engine to shut down to EV mode:
1) I started the vehicle up again, put it into both park and neutral, and waited a minute or so. Normally, since the vehicle was warmed up, the gas engine would shut off to EV mode. It did not this time.
2) I put the vehicle into both park and neutral, pushed the accelerator pedal almost to the floor. The engine would not rev up over 2500 rpms and once again, did not go to EV mode.
3) I drove the vehicle around the parking lot for a couple of minutes, tried the 2x brake pedal hits at below 30 mph, normally the engine shuts off, goes to EV mode, it did not this time.
4) shut off the vehicle, the fan was still purring!!

Has anyone ever had this problem/issue?

Is the car safe to drive?

Is the issue related to the HV battery cooling fan and/or the A/C system which cools the battery? Could the fan be causing a malfunction with the computer such that it will not shut down the gas engine?

I am going to drive it during lunch hour and see if the issue/problem is still occurring?

Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated.

BTW. I have been reading this discussion board for over 3 months now, also prior to buying the vehicle. It is very helpful with a great deal of very useful information!!!