Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Kia Spectra owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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. …
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.
I purchased a Kia Spectra and reported to the dealership southwest Kia that my gas pedal was sticking. I re-injured my right hand. I took the car to the dealership for inspection. But the peddle kept sticking. I also purchased a insurance that will pay your car payments when you are unable to work due to a medical condition. I filed a claim and it did not pay my car payments. Next thing I went out and my car was gone. The dealership accused me of making a false complaint. This all happen in 2009 not long before you found gas peddle sticking. Can you help me ?
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.
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.
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.
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. …
Problems with the fuel tank and purge canister system. The normal operation of fueling the vehicle can cause the purge system to become filled with fuel. This created a dangerous situation by allowing fuel to be expelled or leak out of the tank or what the dealer called overflow onto the floor in my garage. We have followed the dealers instructions regarding topping off after the initial shutoff of the gas pump to the extent of not filling the tank to capacity yet this has not made any difference. Not only does it present a safety issue with fuel leaking in an enclosed area but it also causes the vehicle to stall at the most dangerous times on the road. The vehicle has been to the dealer for repairs three times. The purge valve and canister have been replaced. …
I had this car serviced at the dealer on Tuesday and it drove fine, I filled the fuel tank at the same station I have been using for over a year. And drove home(1-1/2mi) the next day after about 10 miles the car began to miss and the engine died I restarted it and drove about 1/2 mile and it died again I drove to the dealer and left the car to be checked. I was told the fuel tank had been over filled and that the same three system components (less than a year ago I had the same problem) required change at over $700. I do not top off the tank, and have been extremely watchful that it is not topped off since the first incident. This is a safety hazard had I been in the left lane. The power steering and power brake fail with the engine not running . I think a safety recall should be started before a death. I see many reports of the same problem with the Spectra. …
Related recalls
Fuel system, other › Storage › Tank assembly › Mounting
Kia is recalling certain model year 2004-2007 spectra ld vehicles manufactured from November 7, 2003, through March 6, 2007, originally sold, or currently registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, maine, maryland massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio,…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and attaching hardware with new zinc coated parts. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on June 6, 2011.
Fuel System complaints in other Spectra years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2007 Kia Spectra?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2007 Kia Spectra, 22% of the model year's 152 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2007 Kia Spectra fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 11V-256 (mounting, Apr 25, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2007 Kia Spectra fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 1 injury to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.