Kia Spectra stalling 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 Nov 6, 2020 · Engine, Locks · 193,000 miles · NM

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia spectra. The contact stated that the door handles were inoperable. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic who stated that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The door handles were replaced however, the engine was not repaired nor replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000. *ln

Filed Sep 25, 2019 · Engine · 235,000 miles · GA

Will randomly stall. Been to the mechanic several times and we can't find the problem. Doesn't matter if your going down the road or just idling in the yard stalls out.

Filed Jul 6, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 19,600 miles · VA

The transmission keeps stalling and jolting the car, we cannot run the air conditioner and it only runs when in 3rd gear. There is definitely something wrong with the car and we don't even feel safe putting our children in the car, because it's not safe, and we cannot run the air conditioner without it stalling or jolting and not accelerating properly. We had the timing belt replaced in september 2018, we've had multiple oil changes and kept up with maintenance. However the problems have only gotten worse, our check engine light has been on since 02/2019 at least and we've put steering fluid in, but the problems keep getting worse. We can't run the air conditioner, our fuses keep blowing and I would like our car checked out and fixed.

Filed Jan 26, 2018 · Fuel system · 150,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 kia spectra. While driving approximately 35 MPH over a pothole, the vehicle stalled and would not restart. The contact called a family member who recommended the fuel shut off valve and the vehicle started again. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

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 Jun 20, 2016 · Engine, Steering · 122,171 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 kia spectra. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel locked and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 122,171....updated 07/19/16 *bf updated 06/15/18

Filed Nov 14, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

From the 2nd day after purchasing the vehicle 6/27/2015 when I turned on A/C the car has been hesitating and stalling. Every time I started and stopped at lights or stop signs. And even in traffic . Making the driving experience unsafe.and so ive been complaining ever since. They said if check engine light came on then I wont be responsible for the expense. However the check eng. Never came on.

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 Apr 29, 2015 · Acceleration, Steering · 110,000 miles · MI

I was driving my car, march 2013 and the car died while pulling into the driveway. I was at a red light in may 2014 and the car died at the stop light. For those two incidents the kia dealership indicated an issue with the charcoal canister. Now, I have a third incident that occurred april 25, 2015, I was driving approximately 40 miles per hour and the wheels locked up and the car died while driving on a main street. My vehicle has been at the dealership for 3 business days and they are not able to determine why the car is stopping. This is a safety issue for me. These incidents could have happened on the freeway and could have caused a fatality. The kia dealership has been diligently trying to diagnose the issue however; they have been unable to determine the root cause. I am sharing this information just in case other drivers are experiencing this issue.