Ignition Key will not lock and come out
 

I have an 07 escape and have trouble from time to time of not being able to get the ignition to lock and get the key out. It does not appear to be related to the steering wheel position. I can move the wheel around a good bit and it remains in the off position next to the lowest position where the steering wheel locks and I can remove the key. I am also having an issue at times with the transmission stick release lever sticking. I think these two issues may be related. It appears to be worse on cold days and I experienced this last winter (a year ago) and then it did not reappear until the last two months. Any ideas? Also, does anyone know if this is a warranty repair. The vehicle is 4 years old and about 75k miles. Thanks!!:-X01