Steering Column problems of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta

Started with key being very difficult to turn on or off in ignition and the steering column lock no longer engaged at all when the car was off. Then, twice within 1 mile, the steering column lock did engage while the car was being operated in a turn at approximately 45 miles per hour. After parking the car immediately following, the key would not turn to the off position until the exposed end of the key was tapped with a hammer. Steering column lock then appeared to lock and unlock appropriately, however, key will no longer turn in the ignition to the start position. Car is currently at the local dealership who has diagnosed the problem of an "inoperable steering column lock" and is performing the needed repair.

I was traveling along the outer loop of 495 beltway in the right center lane at approximately 7:15am when the car suddenly shut off. The doors locks clicked unlock and the dash lights went black. The car drifted to the shoulder of the road. After about 5 minutes the car started and I drove 1/2 mile and shut off again in the same manner. The car was towed to Volkswagen of waldorf where they cited a electronic control unit in the steering column was faulty.