SC Driver Stranded After Pumping Contaminated Gas Into New Car

A driver in South Carolina was charged $1,273.69 to repair a new Subaru Forester Hybrid after pumping contaminated fuel at a TA gas station in Conway, according to reports. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture has documented 132 cases of water or sediment in fuel at stations statewide since January of last year, out of more than 3,537 tests conducted.

The driver, who requested anonymity, reported being stranded on the side of an interstate for six hours in the middle of the night. After a tow truck transported the vehicle to a dealership, technicians found water in the fuel line. The driver stated the dealership informed her the tank contained “more water than fuel.”

The driver noted that her vehicle, which was only months into a new car loan, automatically shut down during the incident. She warned that older vehicle models may not have this feature and could continue running, which might cause more extensive damage.

Did You Know? Since January of last year, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture has conducted over 3,537 fuel tests, identifying 132 instances of water or sediment contamination.

How does the state monitor fuel quality?

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture oversees fuel quality inspections through random weekly tests and responses to consumer complaints, according to Eva Moore, the department’s communications director.

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Moore stated that if inspectors find sediment or water, the agency immediately issues a stop-sale order. The station is prohibited from selling the contaminated fuel and must take corrective steps; the agency does not allow sales to resume until a clean sample is obtained.

Moore noted that while the department is “out there randomly testing,” not every case of contamination necessarily means a driver purchased the affected gas. However, she emphasized that any incident impacting a consumer is taken seriously.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that fuel contamination represents a significant financial risk for consumers, particularly those with new loans. The reliance on automatic vehicle shutdowns to prevent engine failure highlights a critical gap in protection for owners of older vehicles.

What happens after a contamination report?

In this specific instance, the driver reported she was reimbursed for the damages to her vehicle. The South Carolina Department of Agriculture confirmed that the TA station’s pumps were re-tested and the business was subsequently cleared to sell fuel again.

Dozens of Florida gas stations could have received contaminated fuel

Future incidents of fuel contamination may lead to similar stop-sale orders if the department finds evidence of water or sediment during its inspections. Drivers who suspect they have purchased contaminated fuel are encouraged to report the issue to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the cost to repair the contaminated vehicle?
A bill provided showed it cost $1,273.69 to remove the water and clean the fuel system of the Subaru Forester Hybrid.

What action does the state take when fuel is found to be contaminated?
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture issues a stop-sale order, preventing the fuel from being sold until the problem is corrected and a clean sample is provided.

How many fuel contamination cases were recorded recently?
Since January of last year, the department documented 132 cases where water or sediment were found in fuel across more than 3,537 tests.

Do you believe current fuel testing frequencies are sufficient to protect consumers?