2007 Kia Spectra: engine stalls while driving

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 Feb 7, 2017 · Fuel system · 42,500 miles · PA

Vehicle will stall after gas tank is filled. Gas fumes can be smelled. Car can stall while idling or at high rate of speed. When it stalls power steering is lost, posing a serious safety risk. The kia dealership tried to tell me it was my fault - that I over filled the gas tank. From 30 other reports I found on line, the tank orvr is not sealing completely and it allows fuel to seep into the charcoal canister and vacuumed all the wya to the intake via the purge control solenoid valve. Dealership's third attempt at a repair includes: replacing fuel tank, evap canister, vent solenoid, purge flow solenoid, and canister filter, with parts and labor totaling over $1000. I have emailed and called kia headquarters but they will do nothing. How can so many people have this same problem - a major safety issue - and kia just ignores it. Says alot about a company.

Filed Aug 29, 2015 · Fuel system · 63,800 miles · MD

The kia spectra 2007 engine stalls after refilling. I did not 'top it off' at the gas station, it was simply filled up by the clicking of the fuel pump. The car stalled three times (all engine lights, brake lights suddenly turned on), wheel had weak control in the middle of the road, driving home (roughly 3 mile range). Fortunately, I was at the light every time (with people behind me). If I had been driving 60 miles per hour, I probably would've died, unaware of loss of vehicle control. I turned on my vehicle warning light immediately, and the cars behind me were able to get around me. I just took some time to research this, and apparently it's happening to a bunch of other people as well. Here's a youtube video documenting what happens, you basically lose control of your vehicle. Https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdmjj_kqgdu here's a list of other people who have seen this problem: http://www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2007/kia/spectra/fuel+system the car is now a death trap for me, I don't even know where to start since driving anywhere could potentially get me killed.

Filed Mar 31, 2015 · Fuel system · 49,600 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 kia spectra. While driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled and fuel was leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle restarted and resumed normal operation. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,600.

Filed Oct 26, 2014 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · NC

The past several years my kia has stalled multiple times upon refueling. I have stopped topping off while refueling. The car cuts off while driving or whiling idling. It gives off an awful gas smell. It has shut off on highways and in city while driving. I have researched this issue and find many kia owners with the same problem. I am constantly given different diagnostics from kia authorized service centers. Replacements for the fuel system assemble have totaled in the thousands.

Filed Aug 25, 2014 · Fuel system · GA

Over the past two years, my kia has stalled multiple times upon refueling. I never topped off while fueling and do not understand what's going on. The car cuts off while driving or sitting at a stop light. It also gives off an awful gas smell. I am terrified of driving the vehicle because it's very dangerous especially on highways where the speed limit is at least 50mph. I am concerned as I have very small children that could be harmed. I have researched this issue to the best of my ability & find many kia owners with the same problem. I am constantly given different diagnostics from service centers.

Filed Aug 20, 2014 · Fuel system · 8,000 miles · AZ

This car acts like its running out of gas about every 4 months since I've owned it, its usually after I fill it up, it stalls at lights and sputters going down the road, have actually had it die going around corners. Mention it every time I go to dealership for maintenance and of course there is no code because the check engine light never comes on when it happens. This is a very unsafe car and if I could buy something else I would. Will never buy a kia again!

Filed Jun 12, 2014 · Fuel system · 68,000 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 kia spectra. The contact stated that after refueling, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was restarted and the failure had occurred once before. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the fuel canister and fuel valve needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 68,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed May 17, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 46,000 miles · PA

Reporting 3 issues: ***fuel system: in july 2009, one month after I purchased my used 2007 kia spectra (46k miles), the vehicle stalled at idle/low RPM while in traffic on an interstate highway. Once restarted, it continued to stall at every idle until a significant amount of fuel was consumed. Almost 5 years later, the problem is ongoing. Stalling occurs if the fuel tank is filled (to the point of automatic pump shut-off). The tank has never been "topped off". In august 2011, the stalling was so frequent and hazardous due to traffic conditions that the driver had to press the gas pedal down while braking in order to raise RPM and reduce stalling. The owner has had some success in avoiding the issue by fueling to no more than 80% of tank capacity. The repeated intermittent stalling poses an enormous safety issue, especially on congested roadways. ***air bags: on numerous occasions, the passenger air bag indicator light has illuminated (indicating the air bag is turned off) while an adult was seated. ***gear shift and ignition key: beginning in may 2012, and in numerous instances following, the vehicle would not shift into park. Mechanic discovered a broken safety lock in the shifting mechanism. This problem was not fixed, but overridden by accessing the plastic lever underneath the console and pulling with the left hand while shifting. The ignition key gets stuck frequently (4 out 5 uses) even when the vehicle is in park.

Filed May 9, 2013 · Fuel system · 161,000 miles · AZ

When I fill my tank with gas it spills out in the overflow. It stalls every stoplight and in traffic!

Filed Apr 5, 2013 · Brakes, Engine · GA

I didn't know about this website until I realize that my 2007 kia spectra ex was not on the list of recall for brake light problem. So I started search for reporting it. I know my affect part is engine, but my husband & I car is falling apart. We don't have the money to have it fix. The engine is the last problem we have had so far.it stall if you go too fast around 55. It stall all the time. My husband stop at a red light it cut off. I believe the company should pay for the problems. They had no problem asking for a large amount of money from us. Both of the problems I stated are dangerous. Please help in doing something.

Filed Mar 9, 2013 · Fuel system · 60,789 miles · CA

After filling up my gas tank my car stalled a few miles down the road at a stop light. A few lights later it stalled again and a few more lights it stalled once more. I heard from other kia spectra owners that particular problem isn't uncommon with that model. After filling up the gas tank to a normal level the car stalls. I didn't top off the car and it wasn't the quality of the gas. I recently took the car to kia and they told me it wasn't a defect. This problem is a defect, experienced by many people. It needs to be recalled. They must fix this safety issue. I stalled while the car was in operation and heavy traffic.