2007 Kia Spectra fuel system problems

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 27, 2017 · Brakes, Engine · IA

Engine 💡 came on imidiately after pulling out of dealership. So I ca"ed them and they stated it wasnt anything to worry about. Several customers were calling in about the same issue. They said it was just the change in weather and the gas cap. They reset engine 💡 several times. No sooner than I would pull off the lot, it would come back on. Then I ask them for an auto check history report showing odometer desciipancies. Roll back calculations. The radiator is cracked, the emergency brake doesn't work, and the brakes and stuff are bad.

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 Sep 13, 2016 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 kia spectra. While driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and observed that the fuel tank detached from the vehicle and was dragging. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank straps failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

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 Jun 15, 2015 · Fuel system · 117,500 miles · MD

Each time after filling the gas tank, the car will randomly die. After a complete fill up, it takes approximately 100 miles for the problem to abate. Through some online research, I find I'm not the only one having this issue. It's a definite safety concern. The car can die at any speed, any time and any driving condition. This car was given to me. I know the previous owner had it checked several times for the same issue. I want to know if it can be fixed. I can't afford to have my car die while in traffic on the highway.

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 Mar 6, 2015 · Airbags, Engine · CA

As I was driving my 2007 kia spectra out of nowhere all my emergency lights came on and my car locked up and turned off while I was exiting the freeway. The steering wheel locked up and I could not turn it to get my car off the road. I then had to put my car in park turn the ignition off then restart it. This has happened more than 3 different times. Also as I am driving, my car starts to slow down like it starves for gas and I have to step on the gas and push the pedal down all the way before it will eventually pick up and go.

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 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.