Conn. cars being damaged by bad gasoline

Milford, Conn (WTNH) - Local auto shops are swamped with dozens of cars in need of repairs, all due to bad gasoline.

One dealership alone has serviced fifteen cars with fuel injection problems. Other service centers in Connecticut have been responding to similar complaints. Cars are stalling, sputtering, and just not running efficiently.

Delilah Rios from West Haven noticed the problem with her Scion on Thursday. "They have to change the fuel injectors, they have to change the spark plugs, they have to clean out all the tubes, the gas," Rios said.

The dealership concluded that the gasoline was the source of the problem. The repairs will cost Rios about $2,000. She always fills her tank at the same station, and has never had a problem before.

"And you can't check it to see if it's bad gas," said Rios.

The problem is not confined to just one gas station, either. The source of contamination hasn't been pinpointed yet, but dealers in the area believe the bad gasoline came from a terminal in New Haven.

"Unfortunately, until they determine exactly where it's coming from, which terminal, you're going to have continuing problems," Jeff Brandfon from Brandfon Honda said.

Each terminal distributes gasoline to many different stations throughout the area. As of now, it's impossible to tell which stations might have bad fuel. In the meantime, pay close attention to the way your car is running.

"If warning lights come on, or the operation is not correct, I would recommend they call their servicing dealer," Brandfon said.

*UPDATE*

On Thursday, the Department of Consumer Protection issued a statement saying it is investigating the reports of bad gasoline. Below is the DCP news release.

HARTFORD, June 16 -- The Department of Consumer Protection is actively investigating reports this week from consumers experiencing problems with their vehicles after purchasing gasoline. Media reports on Tuesday about gasoline sold in Montville and on Wednesday about gasoline purchased in the New Haven area brought the issue to the Department's attention, Consumer Protection Commissioner William M. Rubenstein said today.

"We responded to the Montville reports immediately after learning about problems that consumers were allegedly experiencing," Rubenstein said. "Yesterday, some of those consumers began to file complaints with our Department, and I encourage everyone who believes their vehicle may have been affected this week by bad gasoline to contact our Department, to file a complaint and to provide us with the name and address of the gas station. Our immediate priorities are to identify and stop the source of any problem and to assure that consumers are compensated for any problems caused by the bad gasoline."

The Department is investigating allegations related to a range of gas stations along the I-95 corridor from Guilford to Fairfield. Other areas of the state may be affected as well. Investigators are reviewing stations' delivery invoices, taking samples, and conducting field interviews to identify the contaminant and track its source.

Persons who suspect that bad gasoline was involved in problems with their vehicle should obtain and keep all service receipts for diagnostics or repair, as well as receipts for the gasoline they have recently purchased. Consumers should also notify the Department of Consumer Protection fuel standards unit by calling 860-713-8160 or 1-800-842-2649, or by emailing food.standards@ct.gov . A form for filing a written complaint is available at www.ct.gov/dcp at "Forms." Consumers should also register a complaint, in writing, with the retailer from whom they purchased gasoline.