Key will not turn ignition

Try turning the steering wheel hard as you turn the key. There are some cars that will be hard to turn the key when the steering wheel locks.

While there are a variety of reasons your Kia Rio key won't turn, the most common 3 are a binding steering column/lock, an ignition switch issue, or a problem with the ignition key. This has been a common issue in some Kia models for some years, I think 2010 to 2013. If this key works in the doors on the vehicle, then its probably not the key which leaves a couple of possibilities. Either the steering wheel is "locked" which makes it very difficult to turn the key unless the pressure is taken off the steering wheel, a tumbler inside the ignition switch has been damaged and isnt dropping like its supposed to so you can turn the ignition; if the steering wheel in a locked position it will move a little one way and not at all the other. Do this, put some silicone grease, graphite or plain oil in the cylinder, place the key in the igintion and wiggle the steering wheel back and forth and the ignition should free up enought to turn the key and it should turn. If this does not work, you probably need to replace the ignition switch.

It happened to r Kia sportage 2019; thanks BrotherBen.

Just had this issue with 2018 Kia Picanto, turning the wheel forcefully whilst turning the key worked. Thanks for the advice!

My key got stuck in my Kia Rio sport 2019 last night trying everything including turning wheel we could not get it out and luckily had a spare key to lock the car. I jumped in this morning and with a slight wiggle towards the door and back it came right out !!

Same exact problem with my 2014 Sorento! Ugh...not a happy camper! Now my car won't start and the clock won't cut off inside car either. So I'm stuck with a new baby! Looks like after all the same issues on several Kia Models that Kia would update the keys or ignitions!

It unlocks the stiring wheel..

The steering wheel doesn't lock when key is stuck inside the ignition and starts up fine

the steering wheel is not locked and ignition is stuck between accessory and lock.So that shows the ignition is still on and will run my battery down.

Same issue on 2013 Kia Soul - Key won't turn in the ignition cylinder. Key worked in door, steering wheel pressure released / held to one side so no pressure. Still no joy. After working in three shots of WD-40 (use the skinny straw to get it down inside) I had success! It must have been a sticky tumbler in the cylinder. Good luck!

Derk, did you spray wd40 in the ignition? I’m having the same issue. The steering wheel is not locked and the key will not turn. I have been able to some how get it to work so far just by wiggling the key.