key in the ignition will not turn

Try turning the steering wheel when turning the key, could be pressure on switch from turned wheels

It worked!! Thanks graveygrabber!!! :-)

It still doesn't work.

Thank you so much it worked!

It is very simple. Spray some carburetor cleaner in the lock. Wait two minutes. It works every time. Larry in Cincinnati, OH

The steering wheel on hours still felt bound to one side a bit... I physically bumped the front tire sideways a bit with my rump, and it seemed to take some pressure off the steering wheel. The key turned easily after that.

IT WORKS THANK YOU

Thanks much. It works!

Tip: just kept pulling the steering wheel to the side while simultaneously turning the key. Even when the steering wheel hits the point where it is locked out to the side, keep pulling it to that side. Story: This just happened to me. I was driving my girlfriends bug, Polly. The wheel was turned slightly when I parked and was locked when I tried to start it. I am a strong, 200 lb, full grown man and could not get the key to turn while forcefully trying to twist it in the ignition and jiggling the steering wheel. I repeatedly tried this for 20 min and had to call my girlfriend for help and she started the car in 5 seconds. She said she just kept pulling the steering wheel to the side while simultaneously turning the key. Even when the steering wheel hits the point where it is locked out to the side, keep pulling it to that side. It works for her everytime as this is a regular problem that the car has. Just keep yanking on the steering wheel and you should be able to get it to start.

spray some wd40 inside the ignition switch where the key goes, and try it again in 30 sec. works like a charm

Thank you it worked...I will never forget this...

I have tried all suggestions but nothing seems to work! Steering wheel is locked. Car is parked straight tires are not turned. Help!!!!

Just talked to VW Warranty Department. The warranty for the ignition and steering wheel lock has been extended by Volkswagen at NO CHARGE to the current owner until 2024 and or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. BTW, I'm having the same issue on a '14 Bettle I bought with 50K on the odometer. Headed over to the VW dealer tomorrow.

For those of you that did the WD40 trick-was this simply a bandaid until you could get the problem repaired, or it continues to work? This tip saved me from getting a tow truck this afternoon and now I'm wondering if I may be good to go for a while!

I have a 2013 Beetle and its turned on and I can't turn it off and get the key out. Any suggestions

I had to have my 2010 Beetle towed yesterday because the key won't turn. It is currently at the dealership. Last time I was there I asked about a recall and they told me there wasn't one. It has been slowly getting harder to turn. I can't find any info about a recall. How do I find out this information?

I tried all of the above remedies.

my sons is a 1972 right hand drive model he bought in Japan. nothing seems to work and I don't want to break that thing off.

Same issue. Mine is a 73 beetle. I was able to open a 1/4 of in inch and spray wd40. after about a 2 minutes of pushing the key through it loosened up and works fine. thnx

Dan you are a HERO!! My boyfriend bumped the front tires w/his foot while I jiggled the wheel and key. Slowly I was able to turn it more and get the car to start! I MADE AN ACCOUNT JUST TO SAY THANK YOU!! Still looking into replacing the ignition lock but I can turn it on for now!!