My 1996 RAV 4 ignition switch is stuck, the key will not turn

It's either faulty ignition lock or the switch at the bottom of the gear stick which I've had twice before

why not get it fixed.
the security system is faulting
so get it fixed.
or if DIY person, get the FSM read that section
or google for 1hr on your car,
did you read this?

http://justgivemethedamnmanual.com/toyota/toyota-rav4-owners-manual/

have you tried both FOB's one in car at a time.?
after all , one might be stuck in PANIC mode (bad switch)
car came with 2 FOBS, ever have just 1, or bad things happen.
did you read page 184?

That sounds like a malfunction in the ignition switch.

Strip the plastic off the head of the key. The key code should be under that part stamped into the metal keys head

There is a switch between brake pedal and shifter that can fails. Also from ignition

I would look at the key. Is it the original. Didm you get an add on alrm system or remote start switch?

This truck has a switch in the shifter assembly that tells the ignition the truck is in Park or not. If the shifter doesn't hit that switch right this can happen. Also, there is a component in the ignition (a solenoid) that allows the key to be released if the Park switch is pushed. To be sure it's one of these two things, try this.... Get the key stuck, then disconnect the battery. If the key comes right out, it's either the switch or the solenoid. Good luck!

Keep gently trying while moving the steering wheel and jiggling the shifter. Is the car actually in park. If no luck then to the shop it must go. If you get it out do not put that key back in....get a new one at the dealer made from the vin.

Just a thought , if the gear stick is not in park the key cannot be removed from the ignition I found out when I left the car in nuetral .

We found our solution...a new ignition. :-( One day the key stuck in the ignition and refused to be removed! It cost us around $350.00 to have a new ignition installed. No way around it.