I have seen the same thing with the same frequency. I believe it’s related to the fact that several things are using the battery simultaneously when we do that. Starting up the PCM head unit, starting up the HVAC equipment, including cooling system, blowers, and vent positioning, moving seats to memory positions, and lights. Most all of these things use more power for starting than for running.

When you you combine that with starting the engine, I’m guessing, the power to the starter is reduced just enough so that the engine fails to start.

I have noticed that if I turn the key to the accessory mode position, without turning it as far as the starter position, all functions but the starter turn on first, and if I then pause a couple of seconds, and THEN turn the key farther, thus activating the starter, the engine always starts without fail.