The overall loss of power usually points to a fault in either the ignition system or fuel system, especially on a low-mileage car.

What would cause a car to lose power when going uphill

(1) The problem with spark plugs or spark plug wires
(2) Clogged fuel injector

The problem with spark plugs or spark plug wires

If the engine is run roughly, this suggests the following ignition-related problem, bad Spark plugs or wires. If the engine runs roughly, especially when idling, this basically means the engine is misfiring. Such a condition causes a lack of power simply because the engine isn't operating efficiently.

Misfiring is either caused by a fault in the ignition system or, a "hard" engine problem (for example, a stuck valve). If the car has low mileage, the possible cause is probably ignition-related. In particular, one or more spark plugs or spark plug wires are probably bad. Clearly then, if the spark isn't occurring in the combustion chamber when it's supposed to (due to a bad plug/wire), the engine will not only run rough, but it'll also lack power.

What to do?

Bring the car to a reputable car repair shop and ask to check the spark plug and its wired, if the mechanic does determine that one or more of the spark plugs or wires are indeed bad, be prepared to pay for their replacement since warranties generally don't cover such items.

If the spark plug and its wire are good then that indicates the ignition system is probably fine. So, the cause of this problem must lie with the fuel system. With that said, a likely possibility is a clogged fuel injector.

Clogged fuel injector

If your car is equipped with a fuel injection system this is probably the problem. The job of the fuel injection system is to provide the engine with an adequate amount of fuel.  If the engine doesn't get enough fuel, it'll lack power. The fuel injectors themselves are the key components of any fuel injection system.  At precise moments, the injectors squirt gasoline into the engine.  If a fuel injector is clogged or at least partially clogged, it won't squirt enough fuel into the engine.  This results in the engine becoming "fuel-starved" and therefore lacking in power.

What to do?

Bring the car to a reputable car repair shop and ask the mechanic to check the fuel injector, if the mechanic does determine that you've got a clogged fuel injector, be prepared to pay for its cleaning since warranties generally don't cover this type of service.

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