Automatic Transmission Park/neutral Start Switch problems of the 1998 Toyota 4Runner

Gear shifter locks up when placed in "park" (p) position resulting in key not being able to be removed from ignition. This caused the push-button control handle to become completely detached from the gear shifter arm and servered the wire for the push-button overdrive control. The screws became stipped and the housing inside the rubber cover were cracked. I have not contacted the dealership were I purchased the vehicle due to past problems I've had when reporting defects to them.