HOUSTON – A tank of gas ended up costing several Spring Branch drivers thousands of dollars in vehicle repairs and they say they are struggling to get answers or compensation from the gas station responsible.
Roughly a dozen customers who filled up at a Circle K at Antoine and Long Point Road say contaminated fuel damaged their vehicles around May 16. KPRC 2 News reporter Corley Peel was at the gas station working to get answers.
Jack Tillet had just finished an Uber driving shift when he stopped to put $12 worth of gas in his car.
“I got about a half mile down the road and my car just died,” he said.
A mechanic discovered water contamination in Tillet’s fuel system. When the car arrived at the shop, it was not alone.
“It just so happened there were cars being towed from that Circle K to his shop. So mine wasn’t the first one,” Tillet said.
Repairs for Tillet’s car are estimated at $6,000, money he says he simply does not have.
“I don’t have $6,000, obviously. I mean, I’m driving Uber at night, on Social Security,” he said.
When KPRC 2 News Reporter Corley Peel stopped by the store, the manager and owner were not present. A cashier said he believed a delivery issue caused the problem and estimated about 10 vehicles were affected.
“I think they are working on the insurance so insurance can compensate the damage to vehicles,” the employee said.
When Corley attempted to call the manager, no one answered. The manager has not returned the call or text.
Tillet says after weeks of being ignored, he finally received a response from Circle K corporate, but it was not what he hoped for.
“They just got back to us yesterday and said, sorry, they can’t help us. They’re not affiliated with that Circle K. It’s a franchise. There’s nothing they can do, nothing they will do,” Tillet said.
“It’s not our fault. We went in and put gas, and now all of a sudden all our cars are ruined,” he added.
Texas regulators can fine a gas station up to $3,000 and even revoke its license if contaminated fuel is confirmed. Drivers who suspect bad gas should save receipts, document damage and file a complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
“At least six, seven of us have filed complaints. We’ve heard nothing back from the state either,” Tillet said.
KPRC 2 News reached out to Circle K corporate and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for comment on how drivers can be compensated. Neither had responded at the time of publication. KPRC 2 News will continue to follow this story.