2001 Toyota Avalon Ignition Key failure

I had just let off 4 slightly over weight friends, not a normal occurance, but shouldn't have been a strain on this car. Parked the car, and on return to start, the key would not engage the ignition. I pulled out the owners manual and it says continuously turn steering wheel and gently turn the key at the same time. First, it's incredulous that Toyota would produce this car with this kind of defect and then ADMIT TO IT IN WRITING.Well the solution didn't work; two times and then a third later in the day. Finally, on the fourth attempt a little later, I REALLY turned the steering wheel left and right and gently turned the key and it started. This routine is continuing and this is the next day day. What is going on ?--is it steering column, reacting to the weighted friends causing some kind of misalignment or is the misaligment in the ignition/key cylinder?? I think I'll start reading owner manuals before I buy my next car.