HOUSTON – A second Circle K location in the Houston area is now possibly linked to contaminated fuel complaints. On Thursday, KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel reported on roughly 10 customers who had their vehicles damaged after filling up at a Circle K in Spring Branch. After that story aired, another driver came forward with a nearly identical experience at a different Circle K location in Bellaire off Bissonnet.
Donna Platt says she filled up at the Circle K off Bissonnet and Newcastle Drive in Bellaire last Friday. The next day, her car began having problems.
“I went out to do an errand and my car was kind of sputtering,” Platt said.
After four days at the dealership, mechanics discovered the source of the problem.
“They said they took a fuel sample and it was bad fuel. There was water in my tank,” Platt said.
Platt says seeing KPRC 2’s original story prompted her to reach out.
“I saw your story and I emailed you to let you know it happened here as well. I know that you’ve been following a lot of other customers at another station in Spring Branch. But I just wondered if there’s more going on,” she said.
Her insurance is expected to cover her $2,500 repair bill — but Platt says the financial impact goes beyond the immediate cost.
“Even though it’s covered, it’s still a mark. It devalues my car even when it’s fixed because it’s a major engine overhaul,” she said.
After Corley reached out to Circle K on Thursday, a spokesperson responded, saying the company is investigating the claims with the owner of the Spring Branch franchise and will reimburse customers for any repairs tied to contaminated fuel.
A Spring Branch Circle K employee told KPRC 2 News he was informed the bad gas stemmed from a delivery issue, but Circle K officials say the actual cause is still under investigation. The company says, generally speaking, water contamination in fuel typically occurs when water gets into a gas station’s underground storage tanks, not from delivered fuel.
When Corley stopped by the Bellaire Circle K, management was not present. Officials confirmed the Bellaire location is company-owned and said they are looking into Platt’s claim.
Circle K says customers who were impacted by contaminated fuel can call the company directly for reimbursement assistance.
Anyone who purchased gas at either Circle K location and experienced vehicle damage is encouraged to save receipts, document the damage and contact Circle K directly by calling customer care at 1-855-276-1947. Customers can also file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Circle K Full Statement:
“At Circle K, we guarantee and stand by the quality of our fuels. However, issues sometimes arise, and we are aware of a recent incident involving water-contaminated fuel dispensed at an independent franchise Circle K location on Long Point Road. We take this matter seriously, and we are committed to helping make it right for valued customers who were affected. We are investigating this with the franchisee and helping them assist customers with their claims. If customers experience an issue after fueling at one of our gas stations, we ask that they call our customer care department at 1-855-276-1947 as soon as possible. Our representatives will help them submit the right documentation to report the incident. After reviewing and verifying their information, we’ll reimburse them for any repairs or associated costs attributable to our fuel.”