When the steering wheel freezes

[question everything]

Yes, happens. I would normally just grasp it with both hands and try to turn it. Works, normally.

But several weeks ago, after filling the tank, nothing happened. I struggled to even get the key in the ignition and then could not take it out.

Meanwhile I am getting hot inside the cars when it is 85 outside. So I opened the door - KIA Soul 2014, BTW - and, all of a sudden the dashboard lights came on and ignition! All I could think was - what will happen when it is 20 outside..

I don't drive much. Am retired, and most of my chores are within 10 miles from home. And many times we drive in my spouse's Highlander. Last year, when I had to replace the battery with less than 10,000 miles, I was chastised by the mechanic to drive more..

Anyhoo, after that event we left town and I did not drive it for several weeks. It started OK at home but once I left the store, same story. OK, by now I knew the drill. Open door, still no ignition but grasping the wheel helped. And it has been happening several times since.

Is there anything wrong or should I just accept it as "it is what it is?"

Oh, and yesterday I reached 11,000! Hurray!