2.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
48,275 miles

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problem #17

May 052023

Spectra

  • miles
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.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #16

Jul 152014

Spectra

  • miles
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.

- Cresco, IA, USA

problem #15

Feb 072017

Spectra

  • 42,500 miles
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.

- Evans City, PA, USA

problem #14

Sep 122016

Spectra

  • 90,000 miles
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.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #13

Aug 292015

Spectra

  • 63,800 miles
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: 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.

- Germantown, MD, USA

problem #12

May 282015

Spectra

  • 117,500 miles
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.

- Frederick, MD, USA

problem #11

Mar 272015

Spectra

  • 49,600 miles
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.

- Laredo, TX, USA

problem #10

Mar 132014

Spectra

  • miles
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.

- Live Oak, CA, USA

problem #9

Oct 262014

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
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.

- Concord, NC, USA

problem #8

Jun 012011

Spectra 4-cyl

  • miles
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.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #7

Aug 152014

Spectra

  • miles
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.

- Dacula, GA, USA

problem #6

Jun 102008

Spectra

  • 8,000 miles
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!

- Sun City, AZ, USA

problem #5

Aug 012009

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 46,000 miles
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. ** 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.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #4

May 012011

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 161,000 miles
When I fill my tank with gas it spills out in the overflow. It stalls every stoplight and in traffic!

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #3

Mar 082013

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 60,789 miles
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.

- Covina, CA, USA

problem #2

Mar 082013

Spectra 4-cyl

  • 60,078 miles
After filling up my gas tank I went a few miles and stalled while at a stop light. I drove a few blocks and stalled again while stopped. After another few blocks I stalled once more.

- Covina, CA, USA

problem #1

Aug 212009

Spectra

  • 31,404 miles
There's a problem with the gas tank on my aunt's 2007 Kia Spectra. After filling the tank with fuel, the car stalls and cuts off. She took the car to Kia and paid to have it fixed. However, it has happened three times since. She was told to be sure not to top off the fuel. She has never topped off or over filled. Yet it still happens. She has been fortunate to this point because it hasn't stalled when she's been on a freeway or in heavy traffic. We understand that the car could have caught on fire. Please look into this matter.

- Louisburg, NC, USA