Why Is My Hyundai Elantra Steering Wheel Locked?

Your Hyundai Elantra steering wheel locks as a safety and security measure. This quick guide explains why it’s helpful, and how to get it unlocked.
Written by Matt Terzi
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
If your Hyundai Elantra’s steering wheel is locked, don’t panic! It’s just a safety and security feature—more on that soon—and slowly jiggling the steering wheel with the key in the ignition should free it up. If that doesn’t work, you may need to visit a mechanic.
It’s a rare thing for cars designed to optimize affordability and efficiency to also boast comfort and quality. But since 1990, the Hyundai Elantra has consistently proven that all four of these things can be found in one package.
Like many modern cars, the Hyundai Elantra has an anti-theft and safety feature that locks up the steering wheel if it gets turned without having the key in the ignition. It can be super annoying the first time you encounter it, but don’t worry, it’s easy to unlock! 
This guide from
Jerry
, the top-rated
car insurance
comparison app, will explain how to unlock your Hyundai Elantra’s steering wheel. We’ll also explain why this feature is actually a good thing for your car to have. And while we’re at it, let’s help you save money and reduce your
Hyundai Elantra insurance costs
, too!
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How to unlock your Hyundai Elantra steering wheel

Before we get into why your Hyundai Elantra’s steering wheel locked up on you, let’s get it turning again. This is a fairly simple process that involves wiggling the steering wheel and the key.
Push in your brake pedal and put your key in the ignition. Now, just gently wiggle the wheel and the key in both directions until the locking mechanism releases. You might need to be forceful to get this to work, but don’t go so hard that you snap your key!
In some instances, you may find that your steering wheel and your key are both locked up. In this case, repeat those initial steps—push in the brake and put the key in the ignition—and then tug the steering wheel a little to the left or right until it doesn’t feel like it’s “sitting” on anything. The ignition should turn over now.
If none of these suggestions are working, you may need to call a mechanic. There’s a chance, however slim, that you might be looking at an issue with your ignition cylinder or a problem with your power steering system.

Why your Hyundai Elantra steering wheel lock might engage

Why do some cars have this steering wheel locking feature? There are two reasons, really. It’s both an anti-theft feature and a parked safety feature that can save lives.
First, it makes cars harder to steal—the steering wheel locks up if the key isn’t in the ignition, so if a thief breaks into your car and hotwires it, they aren’t getting very far. Not unless the place where they’re going just so happens to be wherever your tires are pointing, anyway.
The second reason is related more to parking safety. If you turn your wheels into the curb when parking on a hill (you need to do this if you don’t already!), and the parking brake gives out, the car’s rolling won’t straighten the wheels out, and it’ll properly turn into the curb and hopefully stop there without causing unfathomable damage.
But what if your Hyundai Elantra is having a mechanical issue? Let’s take a look at some of the common technical issues that can cause this problem.

If your steering wheel locks while parked

If you’ve tried what we just described and your steering wheel won’t move while your Elantra is parked, you might be looking at a problem with the ignition cylinder, or possibly the ignition switch.
Unless you’re a moderate-level DIY car repair enthusiast, you’ll want to visit a mechanic. Replacing an ignition cylinder in a Hyundai Elantra will cost between $250 and $300 on average, including parts and labor. The ignition switch should cost between $200 and $250.

If your steering wheel locks while driving

Few things are as terrifying when driving as suddenly losing the ability to steer. It’s exceptionally rare, but if this happens to you, knowing what to do can save lives.
If you suddenly lose the ability to steer, keep both hands on the wheel and then apply the brakes when you’re able. Use your car’s hazard lights when it’s safe to put them on.
It’s a good idea to call local law enforcement, so they can direct traffic to avoid a potential accident. If you have roadside assistance from
Jerry
or an insurance provider, you’ll want to call that number next.
Suddenly losing steering could be the end result of any number of issues, from a broken tie rod to a
steering rack
problem. These problems are typically rooted in either the car’s steering systems or the front suspension. 

If your steering wheel is usable but stiff

What if your steering wheel is still functional, just really heavy and physically taxing to turn? In this case, you’re most likely looking at one of three issues: your Elantra’s
power steering fluid
needs a flush, the
power steering pump
has given up the ghost, or there’s a leak in the steering system.
These are all issues you’ll need a mechanic to help you fix. The power steering pump is usually the most expensive of these problems to repair—it can cost upwards of $800 to $900, depending on parts availability and labor costs. So let’s hope it’s not that!
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How to save on Hyundai Elantra insurance

Unless your car is struggling with mechanical issues, unlocking your Hyundai Elantra’s steering wheel should be pretty simple once you get the hang of it. It’s almost as easy as unlocking cheaper
car insurance
with the
Jerry
app—but not quite.
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How much less? Well, millions of Jerry users are averaging savings of more than $800 per year. Not bad for an app that helps you switch providers without making a single phone call. These are just some of the reasons why Jerry is the #1 insurance app in the App Store.
Download Jerry and take it for a spin today. You won’t believe how easy it is to save a small fortune until you see it for yourself!
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