Jun 17, 2011, 8:47am ET

Connecticut cars suffering thousands in damages from contaminated gasoline [Video]

An apparent contamination issue at a gasoline supplier servicing Connecticut is sending countless cars to the shop with thousands of dollars in damages.

Consumers in Connecticut are banding together in search of answers after countless cases of engines being ruined by an apparent case of bad gasoline.



Local repair shops, service centers and dealers recently began noticing an unusual influx of complaints that all seemed to be connected to bad gasoline, according to a WTNH News 8 report. While it is suspected that a local distributor of gasoline is at fault, investigations have failed to pinpoint exactly where the bad gas is coming from so far, leaving countless other vehicle owners at risk.



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



In many cases vehicles that filled up on the contaminated gas are needing to completely replace the entire fuel system and more, including spark plugs, fuel lines, injectors and other items depending on the model. For Scion-owner Deliliah Rios, the repair bill came back at a staggering $2,000. At one Toyota dealership alone over 15 cars have already been serviced for bad gas in the last three days.



As word of the problem continues to spread, the epidemic has attracted the attention of the Department of Consumer Protection, which issued a statement notifying the public that it has opened an investigation into the matter. So far, the investigators believe the contaminated fuel was purchased by unsuspecting motorists in the New Haven area on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, but as of now it is believed numerous gas stations could be involved.



In the meantime, motorists who experience any abnormality in the way their engine is running, including rough idle, stalling, sputtering or poor performance, are suggested to visit a service center and contact the Department of Consumer Protection to aid in the investigation.



