Stop/Star Feature

[Michael G.]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)

[Teed_Off]

I disable the function every time I drive, particularly when the a/c is needed. I re-engage only when I can roll down the windows if I’m at a traffic light with a long time for cross traffic or waiting at a train crossing.

[villagetinker]

I always disable this feature when I can. I absolutely hate it.

[Jayhawk]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)
The EPA Vows to 'Fix' Your Car's Most Annoying Feature (https://www.motor1.com/news/759476/epa-fix-automatic-stop-start-everyone-hates/)

[retiredguy123]

I had this feature on my SUV for about a year or so, and then it stopped working. I was very happy when this occurred. I hated it.

[Altavia]

Auto start stop which is dangerous and everyone hates is on the agenda to be eliminated.

EPA Chief: Auto Start/Stop Technology Is Done - The Auto Wire (https://theautowire.com/2025/05/12/epa-chief-auto-start-stop-technology-is-done/)

Like 10,000 mi oil changes, it only gives the manufacturer an Energy Star credit at the expense of the vehicles life.

[vintageogauge]

I like it and leave it on, not much of an inconvenience and if it save a little gas that's good too.

[Michael G.]

I always hated all the innovations and standard equipment on products we have to be force fed to pay for
in the name of safety and/or convenience all the while paying more and more money.

[djlnc]

I think it was instigated by the starter motor manufacturers to boost revenue.

[Bill14564]

I like it and leave it on, not much of an inconvenience and if it save a little gas that's good too.

Me too. Was an integral part of the hybrid Prius and I now have it in my Audi. Never been a problem at all. I don't know if there's a way to determine how much fuel it actually saves with the Audi but it must be some.

I'm also a big fan of adaptive cruise control and lane assist. The only time it's a problem is when I stop paying attention and find that I'm following someone at 10 mph under the speed limit.

[Caymus]

I always hated all the innovations and standard equipment on products we have to be force fed to pay for
in the name of safety and/or convenience all the while paying more and more money.

I like the backup cameras and keyless entry.

[nhkim]

I always hated all the innovations and standard equipment on products we have to be force fed to pay for
in the name of safety and/or convenience all the while paying more and more money.

Huh. I love all the innovations. Of course, I don't replace vehicles very often, so what's new to me is already in common usage by millions of others.

[Omycherie]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)

I turn it off every time I get in the car. I hate it. I’m looking for a way to shut it off completely.

[Rwirish]

Had it on my Honda and it was terrible.

[retiredguy123]

I turn it off every time I get in the car. I hate it. I’m looking for a way to shut it off completely.
YouTube has a few videos on how to do this.

[Switter]

Do you like it or hate it?

Hate it. And unless I had no other option I wouldn't buy a car with the feature. There's just something inherently wrong to me about a car shutting off on its own like that. Maybe it's just psychological.

Thank you Toyota for not doing that on the Tacoma.

[Topspinmo]

I like it and leave it on, not much of an inconvenience and if it save a little gas that's good too.

If don’t keep vehicle vary long don’t matter, but it you do the constant starting stopping going to cause wear especially on starting system. Just like drivers seat and window mechanism wears out eventually getting In and out over years.

[Topspinmo]

Hate it. And unless I had no other option I wouldn't buy a car with the feature. There's just something inherently wrong to me about a car shutting off on its own like that. Maybe it's just psychological.

Thank you Toyota for not doing that on the Tacoma.

Yep, eventually it won’t start back up. Like about everything else use it and throw it away.

[Jhnidy]

Once your car has stopped, all you have to do is lift your foot off the brake for a millisecond. Engine restarts.

[retiredguy123]

Once your car has stopped, all you have to do is lift your foot off the brake for a millisecond. Engine restarts.
Explaining how the feature works doesn't change the minds of the many people who still hate the feature. They don't want the vehicle to shut off at all.

[PoolBrews]

I always disable this feature when I can. I absolutely hate it.

You can buy a simple plug in cable for most cars that will completely disable it. New cars no longer have a setting to turn it completely off - you need to turn it off each time the car restarts. The cable sets it to off forever.

It's in the $15 range on Amazon, and it does not void your warranty since it makes no permanent change to the vehicle.

[Switter]

I always hated all the innovations and standard equipment on products we have to be force fed to pay for
in the name of safety and/or convenience all the while paying more and more money.

I absolutely love the back up camera and the display for apple CarPlay. I even like the adaptive cruise control and the collision warning system. But you're right about stuff like that driving up the cost of vehicles. I was told by the Toyota dealer when I bought my Tacoma that the display alone cost $4000 to replace.

It not only drives up the cost of the vehicle but also the cost of repairs and auto insurance. It's very expensive to repair all that stuff if it gets damaged in an accident or if it fails.

[MX rider]

I always disable this feature when I can. I absolutely hate it.

100% agree. Hate it in my new Colorado.

[ToniPaul]

Do you like it or hate it?


Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)

Absolutely hate it. Turn it off every time I get into the car

[Paulz]

I have a new 2025 718 GTS 4.0. Virtually every other function except the stop/start can be program in to my key fob…incredibly frustrating, and fuel savings are marginal, but wear on the starter and battery may be an issue.

[cwmmfink]

I have it on my Buick Encore GX and love it. It functions smoothly and has increased my driving mileage per gallon significantly in TV.

[retiredguy123]

You can buy a simple plug in cable for most cars that will completely disable it. New cars no longer have a setting to turn it completely off - you need to turn it off each time the car restarts. The cable sets it to off forever.

It's in the $15 range on Amazon, and it does not void your warranty since it makes no permanent change to the vehicle.
Before buying this device, watch the YouTube video on how to install it. On some vehicles, you need to almost completely disassemble the interior trim. In the past, whenever I have messed with the dashboard trim, I ended up with a squeak in the vehicle.

[dougawhite]

HATE it. After begging, Hyundai turned it off for me. On my model it can't be turned off from the user menu on the steering wheel, it has to be programed in the software, maybe with one of those troubleshooter gizmos they plug into the car. Problem is, I had a new battery put in and all programming went back to factory settings. Now I'm back to pushing the on/off button again every time I drive, AAAH!

[Bill14564]

If don’t keep vehicle vary long don’t matter, but it you do the constant starting stopping going to cause wear especially on starting system. Just like drivers seat and window mechanism wears out eventually getting In and out over years.

How long is very long? 200,000 miles and six years on each of two Prius and 60,000 miles and five years on the Audi. When can I expect the failures to start?

(Not saying it can't happen, just not convinced it's a primary concern)

[Bill14564]

Once your car has stopped, all you have to do is lift your foot off the brake for a millisecond. Engine restarts.

Depends on the vehicle. Many hybrids will not restart the engine just because the brake is released.

[nordic tug]

I absolutely hate it and if I could I would eliminate it , false claims on saving gas especially in the summer sitting in NY traffic with the A/C on which needs the motor running to work.



QUOTE=Michael G.;2432530]Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)[/QUOTE]

[Cuervo]

I have an EV, and the car is loaded with just about everything you can imagine. I can turn them on and off whenever I want. I not sure what is the big issue. I rarely use the auto break, but I do find it useful at times.

[bragones]

I disliked it until my latest vehicle. BMW now has “mild hybrid” technology. It has a separate 48 volt lithium battery that powers accessories including an electric motor that engages on restarts and essentially jump starts the car without the starter. The transition is seem less from motor not running.

[MrFlorida]

Never use it, just kills your battery and starter motor.

[Bill14564]

Never use it, just kills your battery and starter motor.

If you never use it then what gives you the idea it kills your battery and starter motor? My experience noted in post #29, the article linked in post #31, and the number of vehicles on the road with this feature indicate otherwise.

[Tvflguy]

We had a Mercedes that had this """FEATURE""" Hated it. First button we pressed after start was to disable it.... So irritating. There was an additonal small battery which controlled the restart. Failed after 6 years $$$ to replace. grrrrr Hated when coming to a very short stop, like a stop sign and off go's the engine, then a not-very smooth restart. STUPID. I know there were some vehicles in the 90s that had start/stop but NO way to override.

Appears the NEW EPA is taking some actions. Personally I don't care as we have a nice EV now...

Auto Published May 14, 2025 6:00am EDT

EPA's Zeldin vows to take action against controversial start-stop vehicle system: 'Everyone hates it'
Start-stop technology is a feature that automatically turns cars off when temporarily stopped

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is targeting climate technology that automatically turns off a car's engine when it is stopped at red lights to save fuel, a feature agency administrator Lee Zeldin said every driver "hates."

"Start/stop technology: where your car dies at every red light so companies get a climate participation trophy," Zeldin said Monday on X. "EPA approved it, and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it."

The feature has become common in new vehicles as a way to save money on gas and cut down on emissions.
Advocates for the technology support it as a climate-friendly initiative, while critics find it annoying and question whether it can wear down the car’s battery or engine more quickly.

Cars generally have a button allowing drivers to disable the feature.

The EPA does not require stop-start technology, but automakers that adopt it are given extra fuel economy credits.An EPA spokesperson told the New York Post that the stop-start systems have not shown clear reductions in emissions tests.

[Janie123]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)
I don’t believe it’s for fuel savings as much as it’s for stopping emissions when sitting at lights especially in large cities where you could spend minutes just going a block between lights. Since we spend seconds between lights, probably not anywhere needed in TV. I turn it off too… except I just bought a 2022 BMW X5 and I can’t figure out how to shut it off. Actually, the car runs so quiet and it starts in less than a second I almost don’t know it’s doing it. I still would like to shut it off.

[cemlopez]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)
If you drive a car with a turbocharger, turn it off. Turbochargers get extremely hot while you are driving your car, and the engine oil keeps them from self-destructing. If you stop your engine at every stop, whatever little amount of oil is left in the turbo is going to cook itself to death.
Just my opinion, though.

[LuvtheVillages]

I hate the start/stop feature. Always turn it off.

I have a bad back, very sensitive. The small shudder when it stops, and again when it restarts, is actually painful to me. (For the same reason, I drive around the manhole covers in the road instead of over them.)

[airstreamingypsy]

Mercedes in Gainesville, loaned me a loaner that had it. I drove it for two days and decided I would never buy a car with that annoying "feature".

[TomSwango]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)

I hate it

[Rocksnap]

Start/Stop was added by not so smart people who think they are saving the planet. Thankfully, the smart people now in charge have just ELIMINATED this requirement. In some cars, the transmission must be removed to replace the starter, which is inside the transmission. When it is normally on the outside and easily replaced. Any minuscule gas saving just went poof.

[Bwanajim]

It would really suck if you were having problems with your battery. It's OK if it doesn't start at home or at the store, but not when you're stopping at a light

[Risuli]

I wouldn't hate the "feature" if it was the owners choice to use it or disable it. My 2016 BMW has this "feature", but has a button to disable it from EVER engaging. The requirement to turn it off EVERY TIME is the problem.

If you go online you can find an adapter that plugs in to the vehicles wiring to disable the auto/stop, but they generally run around $100.

[MrFlorida]

If you never use it then what gives you the idea it kills your battery and starter motor? My experience noted in post #29, the article linked in post #31, and the number of vehicles on the road with this feature indicate otherwise.

I don't use it BECAUSE it kills your starter and battery....

[UpNorth]

Stupid feature, I hate it. I shut it off if I can remember to do it. But I've learned that if you only keep a moderate pressure on the brake pedal at a stop, it won't engage. (Toyota Highlander)

[Gene63]

We have a Subaru and it has that feature. Wish that I could permanently shut it off but instead, I have to cut it off each time I start the engine. I understand why they put it on, in order to save gas, but I figured it up one day that it saved me about a half of a gallon per year. That’s all well and good but it will cost a whole lot more to replace the starter when it wears out then all the gas that it saved. Not a helpful or appreciated feature!

[Topspinmo]

How long is very long? 200,000 miles and six years on each of two Prius and 60,000 miles and five years on the Audi. When can I expect the failures to start?

(Not saying it can't happen, just not convinced it's a primary concern)

Even yugo can last 5 years. :boom: OK maybe I over exaggerated that one….:1rotfl:

[Triker]

Had dynamic fuel management (auto stop/start) on my 2019 Sierra Denali and it was a joke! Recently purchased a new vehicle and in the selection process I focused on only vehicles that don’t have it.

[jimhoward]

I have found it to work flawlessly in the three cars (a Mercedes a Toyota and a Hyundai). I have seen no reason to disable it.

[shut the front door]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)

Bypassed mine with a tazer mini. Don't even have to push the button now.

[MrFlorida]

Don't cry when you have to replace your starter prematurely then.

[Bill14564]

Don't cry when you have to replace your starter prematurely then.

Linkt to that happening please.

[Topspinmo]

Linkt to that happening please.

Not old enough t yet only starts stop few hundred times. See what happens after few thousands times. Not to mention electronic’s .

[rsmurano]

Hate it, I turn it off every time I drive. I can get a device to permanently disable it but I’ll ask the dealer to do it on next maintenance visit.
My car at least is smart enough not to turn this off if the a/c is running.

[Bill14564]

Not old enough t yet only starts stop few hundred times. See what happens after few thousands times. Not to mention electronic’s .

Post #29 (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/2432709-post29.html)

[PoolBrews]

Before buying this device, watch the YouTube video on how to install it. On some vehicles, you need to almost completely disassemble the interior trim. In the past, whenever I have messed with the dashboard trim, I ended up with a squeak in the vehicle.

The cable for my Buick Envista is located under the hood right in the front. Took me less than 5 minutes to lift hood, unplug existing cable, then plug the new cable in both ends.

[retiredguy123]

The cable for my Buick Envista is located under the hood right in the front. Took me less than 5 minutes to lift hood, unplug existing cable, then plug the new cable in both ends.
Every vehicle is not that easy. Watch this video:

https://youtu.be/FGq25E2fRWU?si=gqtmSrpP2REyifuF

[Miboater]

My 2015 and 2018 F150's had the autostart/stop feature and I would always turn it off. My 2021 F150 was built during the microchip shortage so in order to get the truck built I had to pay $50 to delete this module. Seems strange to pay for a module that wasn't installed but I was told it was an energy credit for the automakers. It was worth the $50.

[banjobob]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)
I personally don't like , friends car has it very disconcering .

[CoachKandSportsguy]

We have a Subaru and it has that feature. Wish that I could permanently shut it off but instead, I have to cut it off each time I start the engine. I understand why they put it on, in order to save gas, but I figured it up one day that it saved me about a half of a gallon per year. That’s all well and good but it will cost a whole lot more to replace the starter when it wears out then all the gas that it saved. Not a helpful or appreciated feature!

exactly correct. . the only place its useful is in places like NYC, New Jersey or other highly urban locations, where there are lots of stop lights and stop signs, low realized speed limits, thus high idling times which creates alot of CO pollution for the area.

mostly for selling environmental feel good additions but little realized actual gains.

Everyone wants to have feel good decisions, which product marketing understands and exploits to their advantage. there is no free lunch, maybe once here or there, but never consistently

[DBChris]

I’ve had many cars with this feature, however it freaked me out when it happened on my manual transmission sports car. Now I hit the button to deactivate it on the console

[retiredguy123]

Personally, I don't think the dislike for the stop-start feature has anything to do with fuel savings, emissions, battery life, or starter life. A lot of people just don't like it because they want the vehicle to keep running until they turn it off. This feature will be doomed by popular demand.

[CFrance]

Personally, I don't think the dislike for the stop-start feature has anything to do with fuel savings, emissions, battery life, or starter life. A lot of people just don't like it because they want the vehicle to keep running until they turn it off. This feature will be doomed by popular demand.
Good point. It's all about control. "I decide!"

[daveczo]

Do you like it or hate it?



Does the Start/Stop Function Really Improve Your Car’s Fuel Economy? - Consumer Reports (https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-start-stop-function-really-improve-cars-fuel-economy-a1028235974/)

I love it, works perfectly on our Buick.

[BunnyA]

I turn it off every time I get in the car. I hate it. I’m looking for a way to shut it off completely.

No one could have disliked it as much as me. Our new Subaru would try to restart with foot still on brake at red light and jerk the car, startling me. Twice in dealer, they said nothing they could do so I looked online and found Autostop Eliminator. My son who isn’t particularly handy was able to install after watching the video and I’m a happy camper every time I start the car now. Wish I hadn’t had to pay for an issue that dealer doesn’t recognize but it was worth it.

[CFrance]

No one could have disliked it as much as me. Our new Subaru would try to restart with foot still on brake at red light and jerk the car, startling me. Twice in dealer, they said nothing they could do so I looked online and found Autostop Eliminator. My son who isn’t particularly handy was able to install after watching the video and I’m a happy camper every time I start the car now. Wish I hadn’t had to pay for an issue that dealer doesn’t recognize but it was worth it.
There's something wrong with that, and your dealer doesn't know how to deal with it. Every car we either rented or owned in Europe for decades had the feature, and never once did that happen.

Off topic, but another feature those European cars had was that they held on a hill. Growing up in Pittsburgh (one hill after another), I would have been a really happy camper with that feature.

[Bill14564]

No one could have disliked it as much as me. Our new Subaru would try to restart with foot still on brake at red light and jerk the car, startling me. Twice in dealer, they said nothing they could do so I looked online and found Autostop Eliminator. My son who isn’t particularly handy was able to install after watching the video and I’m a happy camper every time I start the car now. Wish I hadn’t had to pay for an issue that dealer doesn’t recognize but it was worth it.

My cars will do that for three reasons:
1. With the engine stopped it is running off the battery and the battery is getting low. This was common with the hybrid.
2. The AC is on and the evaporator is getting warm so the engine needs to run to make it cooler. This is common with the Audi.
3. I don’t hold the brake down firmly enough so the car thinks I’m releasing the brake. The car often lurches a bit in this case since the brakes aren’t firmly engaged.

[MorTech]

I think the bureaucrat that mandated Auto Stop/Start (ASS) should be put in prison in El Salvador but first waterboarded at Gitmo.

[Topspinmo]

Post #29 (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/2432709-post29.html)

So your one experience with 60K and 5 years sets standard for world? 5 years long time for most vehicle owners. Majority trade around 3 years. Why? They don’t want financial responsibility for repairs after warranty.

[Bill14564]

So your one experience with 60K and 5 years sets standard for world? 5 years long time for most vehicle owners. Majority trade around 3 years. Why? They don’t want financial responsibility for repairs after warranty.

You need to follow your own argument. You asserted that within a few years this feature would result in the need for a new starter (and something about electronics). I pointed out that I have over five years and over 60,000 miles on each of three vehicles.

I'm not trying to set a standard, I am disputing that a standard exists. I can't prove that a starter will never go bad due to this system but I *can* prove that this system will not always kill a starter.

Your post and others have claimed the feature will cause starter failure. My experience alone shows that is not always the case. This thread is generally hostile to this feature yet no one has reported needing to replace their starter. In a quick search I found several articles debunking that claim and zero article supporting it.

No, my experience does not set a standard for the world, it just seems to be the common experience. Your assertion also does not set a standard for the world but can you point to anything that supports it?

[CarlR33]

Toyota Prius seemed to perfect this feature (you did not know it was working) with the hybrid. I agree, the other manufacturers missed the boat as it’s loud and annoying with the steering on some going numb with the motor off. As others have said if the YouTube video does not work for your vehicle you need to research it and most likely need an OBD reader (cost vary) to plug into the vehicle computer and an app (another cost if not free) for your phone to communicate through your vehicles computer options to disable it. I just did a similar procedure to turn off the loud inside car reverse alarm on my car.

[Bwanajim]

Just bought a Hyundai with it and I hate it. Turned it off immediately. What happens if your battery goes dead when you're at a red light?

[tophcfa]

Stop start feature? I stop considering buying a car that has it and start considering one that doesn’t.