wife need help

[Philip2]

We are talking about my wife's 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Every few weeks when she tries to start up, the key does not turn and the steering wheel and gearshift are locked. She has to rock the wheel in order finally turn the key. I oiled the key hole and it finally worked. What is the diagnosis? Key sticks so it will not turn?

 

[ckon]

We are talking about my wife's 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe. Every few weeks when she tries to start up, the key does not turn and the steering wheel and gearshift are locked. She has to rock the wheel in order finally turn the key. I oiled the key hole and it finally worked. What is the diagnosis? Key sticks so it will not turn?

The car is parked with the wheels turned hard to the extreme left or right. Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the extreme and it will ease the lock while unlocking and starting the car.

 

[Jhon]

I had that issue with a Hyundai, either a 2007 Santa Fe or a 2009 Sonata. I was on a hill. someone knew what to do and the rocked my car forward and back and it freed it. It never happened again.

 

[ckon]

I had that issue with a Hyundai, either a 2007 Santa Fe or a 2009 Sonata. I was on a hill. someone knew what to do and the rocked my car forward and back and it freed it. It never happened again.

That’s a similar but different problem. Applying Park on a hill without first applying the parking brake will cause it. It puts strain on the parking pawl.
The OPs problem is with the steering wheel lock being strained by releasing the steering wheel before locking the ignition switch. Releasing the wheel before shutdown will prevent it.