Drivers in Fayetteville, Arkansas were left with vehicle problems after the Sam’s Club gas station put the incorrect type of fuel in the wrong tank. Those who filled up their vehicles from Friday, April 21 to Monday, April 24 have been asked to make a claim if any issues arise.
Brock Bowen had filled his 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the Fayetteville Sam’s Club gas station on Friday night, April 21. He later found that his car would not start and noticed a lot of white smoke coming from the exhaust. He said he had to get it towed to a mechanic and upon inspection, there was diesel running through the unleaded tank.
Bowen had planned to pay for the SUV over one year, but it is now considered a mechanical repo. He had to buy a new truck in order to continue working his seven days a week job, making an average of $200 daily. Unfortunately, this second vehicle is now also showing signs of diesel in the engine.
Chris Wages, a mechanic at Wrenches and Whips located in Rogers, said that gas station mishaps happen every six to eight months. He advised that if a check engine light starts flashing and the car is not running properly, it should be towed to a mechanic immediately to avoid further damage.
Bowen estimated he has already lost $2,000 due to the payment of the truck and days lost from work. He has also had difficulty finding a rental vehicle to keep working.
Sam’s Club has said that customers who got gas from the Fayetteville location between 7 p.m. on April 21 and the morning of April 24 and are “experiencing fuel-related issues” can contact the company to file a claim by calling 866-227-9711. However, no further information has been provided regarding the type of fuel put in the wrong tank or the amount of people impacted by this.