Ignition key cannot be turned

The ignition key could not be turned to start my Santa Fe 2004. Eventualy the key was turned and started thr car, Why was the key stuck to be immovable?

Without further information, my first guess is that the position of the steering wheel prohibited the key from turning. If you turn the wheel a bit, the pressure is released, and the ignition will turn properly.

it could be the position of the steering wheel, or it could also be the shift lock...i know that DCX has had some problems with the shifter postioning, and it could be the same thing...are you still under warranty?

What is meant by shift lock? This is refeence to my post " Ignition key cannot be turned"
Yes I am under warranty since the car is only 6 months old. Thanks for the replies. They are very helpful.

Sometimes the simplest solution is the right one. Was the steering wheel locked?

Don't feel bad if it was. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, and pretty intelligent, but I've been fooled by window lock buttons I can't tell you how many times.

05SG

My wife called this AM with the same problem..she had to end up taking our SUV to work because of this....she is not an idiot and has been driving for years.....never had this issue before,..,.

I have to look at it when I get home, but I am guessing it is something more sinister than the wheel being "locked"....Thisi s on an 06 Sonata...have had it about a month.