Toyota Repair: ignition/tumblers - key will not turn, toyota 4runner, door locks

Question
Hello,
I own a 1997 Toyota 4Runner.  We have randomly had problems with the key not turning.  We try turning the wheels, jiggling the key and trying our patience.  My husband tapped on the steering column with the key inserted and that miraculously worked.  However, it did the same thing again just hours later.  Our mechanic suggested a few years ago that there could be a problem with the tumblers.  Is this normal?  Should Toyota be correcting this at their cost?  If not, what does this type of repair cost? Thanks

Answer
Everything on a car wears including keys and ignition lock cylinders, yes this is normal, keep in mind that it is now 10 years old,it may just be a worn key, does the key work ok in the door locks and not the ignition? If so then the ignition lock cylinder needs to be replaced, if the key also does not work well in the door locks it may be a worn key in which case you should have a new key made at the toyota dealer using the VIN# to see if it helps. Call your toyota dealer for a price quote.