2007 Kia Spectra: sudden loss of power

Filed May 11, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

I purchased my 2007 Spectra5 used with 155,000 miles on it. The engine had no codes or any stored codes. It ran fine until I filled it up with gas. I DO NOT overfill the tank because I understand EVAP issues. After filling up the vehicle would stall at idle and occasionally lose power (momentarily) at highway speeds (55 mph and up). Obviously this is an extremely dangerous situation! Once the gas level got below 1/2 tank the issues went away…but now I ONLY fill the tank to halfway and the problems arise again every so often. Since there are no codes present I cannot replicate the issue without possibly damaging components further and I already replaced the battery, plugs, IAC valve, MAF sensor, and oil to try to remedy this problem. From reading other’s comments about this same problem I do not want to keep pouring money into a problem that KIA itself seems unable, and unwilling, to fix. This is extremely frustrating and dangerous as occasionally the vehicle loses all power on the highway at speeds exceeding 55mph and I feel an accident is inevitable. I’m not financially well off enough to just eat the cost of this vehicle and get a new (used) vehicle though so KIA has really put me (AND OTHER DRIVERS) in a difficult and dangerous position. As others have stated from mechanics who have tried to diagnose this issue, there may be a serious issue with the EVAP system including, but not limited to, the charcoal canister and purge valve. I will try replacing the fuel filter in the gas tank but I do not have high hopes that this will fix this problem. Once again, there are no codes present before or after these stalling/power loss problems and live data from and OBD2 scanner is within parameters for this vehicle and it’s age. I need to report this now so everyone, ESPECIALLY KIA, is aware of this issue and information.

Filed Oct 16, 2014 · Brakes, Engine · NY

I reported multiple complaints on fuel tank over filling, tank was replaced but problem still exists. Lost of power when driving and exhilaration when trying to stop. Also have problems with engine,engine was replaced but problem still exists.

Filed May 21, 2014 · Acceleration, Transmission · 65,000 miles · TX

I was driving on the highway when all of a sudden the check engine light came on and I lost all power in the gas pedal,( you can floor the peddle and it don't go over 2000 RPM ) almost resulting in a collision. It only comes on when it want to, I had the codes checked at auto zone and they said its saying all the solenoids are bad. I looked up this problem online and there are alot of owners experiencing this same issue in the same year, +1 and-1, and with the same approximate mileage, it says that kia has come out with an update to the transmission computer to remedy the issue, the kia dealer wants an outrageous amount to update the computer, when discussing this with kia corporate they said well if a recall is issued then we can get refund, but I don't have the cash to pay for the repair, an update should be free, they are acknowledging the defect, there for because of the danger it can cause a recall is in order...

Filed Sep 3, 2010 · Fuel system · 86,800 miles · MO

My 2007 kia spectra ex has something wrong with the overflow tank. When I take my car to the gas station I turn my car and pump the gas. If I fill the tank up (the pump automatically shutting off) my car will die while I am driving, parked, or idling. When I 'm driving my car down the road the car will suddenly die and lose power steering and then start again. There have been several times that my car has died while going around a corner and it has been very hard to maintain control of my car with the loss of power steering. I have taken my car to the shop approximately two times to have them fix this problem while under warranty and they could never duplicate the problem. However, when I took my car to the shop when it was no longer under warranty the service worker said that it was a defect with the charcoal tank.

Filed Apr 19, 2010 · Engine · 27,028 miles · MO

Tl*-the contact owns a 2007 kia spectra. While the contact was driving approximately 60 MPH the vehicle stalled and the entire warning indicators illuminated on the dashboard. There was a loss of power steering and brake power. The vehicle was driven to the side of the road. The engine was turned off and restarted. The vehicle was able to resume normally. The failure had occurred on four different occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to determine the cause of failure. The failure mileage was 27,028. The current mileage was 27,050.

Filed Nov 23, 2009 · Fuel system · 9,000 miles · IL

Gas line/tank/canister issues. My spectra has been to the dealership approx. 11 times. I have had the gas canister replaced 4 times and on my last visit they replaced the entire tank. The car will stall out while driving or idling. When it stalls you lose the ability to steer or brake, because they lose power. I have stalled mid-intersection, on the expressway, at stop signs/stop lights, no reason when it happens, it just starts shaking,sometimes violently and then stalls. Kia dealership says we are overfilling and that they recommend not using citgo gas. We do neither. They have said that the canister valve does not stop overfilling, which allows that gas to contaminate other areas of the vehicle, which causes the stall. I have filed a complaint with kia headquarters and spoke with tom moralles, the consumer affairs mgr. I asked how many times does the car need to be repaired before they deem it unsafe and unable to be fixed. He says they never do, they will keep repairing and that he does not have a crystal ball to tell me that they can fix it once and for all. He told me that if I am not happy I should contact the better business bureau. I drive with 2 small children and when the car stalls and I have other vehicles about to smash into us, it scares them and it scares me. What is to say with this gas leak/contamination that a common fender bender at one of these stall out times would not result in my car exploding should a spark ignite my gas leak? Kia knows that this happening and these vehicles should have been recalled. The fact that they don't want to help in any other way is unacceptable. These cars are a safety hazard not only to my family, but other families that I could crash into when I lose power and cannot brake. Is it going to take someone to die for anyone to pay attention to this. I found many cases the same as mine just by searching the web. When is enough, enough ? Now. Before someone is killed.