2006 Hyundai Sonata Logo
Posted on Jun 30, 2008

Ignition switch locks up and cannot be driven

We purchased this car new. We have had the car in for service many times with this problem. we put the key in the ignition and it will not turn. moving the steering wheel does not help. we tried all 3 keys we have but still no results. the tow truck (flat bed) would not take the car because the wheels are turned.
every time we take the car to the dealer they say they cannot duplicate. I'm getting so tired of that phrase. i've invited them to come to my house only < 10 minutes away. but no they refuse and say we need to have it towed. what shall we do??

  • 9 more comments 
  • jargo214 Aug 17, 2008

    The key will not turn and the steering wheel is frozen in place. The car is a 2007 elantra with ~25,000. Purchased it used a weeks ago and have been thrilled with it until this.

  • Anonymous Nov 18, 2008

    same problem...please help

  • Anonymous Nov 29, 2008

    I have a Toyota 4 runner. Ican put the key in the ignition and start the car. But when I put the shift in park, the key turns one notch to the left and it`s stuck there. It won`t come out , except after 5 or 10 min of trying . A new switch was installed 3 weeks ago.
    what`s wrong?

  • pttylynch Dec 04, 2008

    I have the same problem. Won't turn. Wheels slightly turned. Did you find a solution.

  • nmbrsmn Jan 04, 2009

    Same Problem - 2006 Hyundai Sonata. Cannot unlock ignition. Does not seem dependent on steering wheel position, but more frequent if turned. It starts working in a random manner. Pulling steering wheel against both stops does not free it up. Tow Truck called, and it came loose right away. Driver said I was the second 2006 Hyundai today with this problem. The other vehicle's driver said she had lock replaced and not it happened again.

  • angelos1954 Feb 09, 2009

    I have a 2002 Hyundai GLS, and the ignition key is frozen. Very similar to what has been posted, however, I am not certain as to how it can be fixed or if it can be towed. Seems like as long as the steering wheel is locked and the wheels won't turn, that having it towed is no longer an option. I called a lock smith and they told me that if I could get it to there location, they would fix it for about 70 bucks...well, still, I am not sure as to how that is possible. Can anyone help me? Thanks

  • janderson205 Feb 11, 2009

    I have a 2007 Sonata and I have this same problem. Ignition locks up. I can't turn the key and turning the steering wheel does nothing for it. The car is at the dealer right now and they are replacing the whole lock cylinder. Luckily mine is still under warranty.

  • smmcs12 Mar 22, 2009

    here also,

  • Anonymous Apr 06, 2009

    steeting wheel does not lock up most times when key removed



    when i does lock up key will not turn until shaken vigerously

  • Neil Licht Dec 06, 2011

    Same problem often. I'll bet its a defect and has not been recalled but if you get stuck somewhere as we did- Its horrendous. The hammer the key in the lock cyllander no longer works. So how did you resolve this serious issue?

  • Neil Licht Dec 06, 2011

    so how do you fix this w/o replacing the switch

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I have a 2006 Sonata. The ignition lock will not turn. I used all the keys and nothing happened. The wheel is straight. I have had 3-4 people turn the wheel of the vehicle. I called the dealership and they gave me a hard time. The tow truck came to my house before, the dealership said there is no problem. If I am going to find out the problem it would cost me $2,000 to find the problem. This is so awful. I talked to a cousin who's an engineer. He took a look at it and said this is a thief-prevention mechanism designed by Hyundai; however, when this things get old--it works against the owner. The worst is...it's not on the driving manual. No preventive information about this. I've also been stuck numerous time elsewhere just because the ignition lock would not turn. I am getting very tired of this vehicle.

Please help.

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  • Posted on Jul 02, 2008
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I have replaced the ignition lock body on these alot, kind of common. The body binds up and will not allow the key to turn. This bolts to the side of the steering column. The hyundai name is steering lock body.

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I just had the same problem with my 2007 Sonata. After AAA sent a service man to start the car I took it to the Hyundai dealer in Auburn, WA. After working for several hours they called and said the problem might have been caused by a bad stop switch which had a recall notice. It seems you have to have the brake pedal depressed to start and if the switch isn't working the ignition lock is not released.
The recall work was no charge and I drove away very happy. I hope I stay happy.

  • Anonymous Jul 03, 2013

    good to know Robert. I will bring up said recall with my dealership. Happy 4th!

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Fiddle with the collumn at the same time foot on the break and then twiddle the key this should unjam it. I have the exact same problem and know they need to recall and fix it. This is dangerous and a pain in the ****. I know the shift lock release can be engaged to allow changing gears to force collumn to unlock but this is dangerous and only will work as last resort and can cause accident because car will then be in nuetral, reverse, or drive and you must keep foot on break. I bought my car from carmax and dealer and carmax claim same bs. Obviously there are enough people with this problem, so someone contact me and others as i want to file for recall as this is nonsense and places public safety in jeporday. My phone is 773-332-6002 and i an feed up.from these lies. My name is Anna Loudon, someone help me and others to stop this theft and dangerous situation.

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I have a 95 blazer and the ignition swich got locked, after taking the top and bottom covers off i could not push the release for the ignition switch.there is excess on top of the ignition switch.i got my cordless drill and drilled the lock out with a 1/2 drill bit.right where you insert the key.hope this safes you some bucks.

  • walmartthief Feb 01, 2011

    I ran an extention cord out to my Van (Dodge Caravan) and held it on ignition for approx. 6 minutes. I put key in then cranked wheel what ever it would let me then turned ignition- presto my car started. I live in Alberta and it was winter- dont know if this had anything to do with lock up, but warming it up with blow dryer did the trick.

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I'll bet the dealer says $300 for parts and 2 hrs labor.:screwy:

Ignition Key - Will Not Turn And/Or Cannot Be Removed
NUMBER: 23-23-00
GROUP: Body
DATE: JUNE 30, 2000
SUBJECT:
Ignition Key Will Not Turn And/Or Cannot Be Removed
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