krye

Wanted to relay a recent event for my 2000 LX 470. Key would turn freely but would not start of do any other actions. Locksmith confirmed the lock is OK and had local shop replace broken linkage rod from key to steering column. Part was $200 and repairs another $300 in labor. Also had to have vehicle towed to local shop. You can find links to this painful repair on the web as well.

chingwodap

I had that break on my 2001 as well. The Ignition switch with key would rotate freely with no spring tension. Turns out it's the linkage rod behind the switch. I don't recall the part being as expensive as you said, IIRC it was ~$80, but the labor was the same.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Broke on ours and it cost up $800 to change at the dealer