Fuel quality complaints filed against 14 Memphis gas stations
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Memphis drivers have been reporting fuel quality problems at multiple gas stations so far this year, and for the past couple of years.
Data from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture obtained by Action News 5 shows nearly 50 Memphis gas stations over the last two years have had complaints lodged against them.
So far in 2025, drivers have filed complaints with the state about 14 Memphis gas stations with customers reporting their car troubles have mounted after purchasing fuel:
- Marathon - 7469 Dexter Road
- Kroger - 676 North Germantown Parkway
- Kroger - 1230 North Houston Levee Road
- Circle K - 4195 Hacks Cross Road
- Tulip Food Mart - 3485 Park Avenue
- Amoco - 5521 Poplar Avenue
- BP - 1723 Jackson Avenue
- Raleigh Express - 3126 Raleigh-Millington Road
- Hickory Food Mart - 3210 Hickory Hill Road
- W Food Mart - 5190 Airways Boulevard
- Thomas Express Inc. - 2864 Thomas Street
- Lamar Texaco - 2306 Lamar Avenue
- Kroger - 3860 Austin Peay Highway
- Great Memphis One - 1243 Lamar Avenue
The state would not confirm whether these complaints had been resolved. Instead, they’ve asked Action News 5 to submit an Open Records Request to find out.
Nine people reported engine issues after filling up at the Marathon on Dexter Road in Cordova.
Those complaints varied from cars “not accelerating” to fuel causing “engine issues”. The state issued a “stop sale” on all gas pumps in February.
The BP station also known as the Super Stop on Jackson Avenue, has had five complaints filed between February 13-25.
The first was filed by business owner and Bartlett alderwoman Monique Williams.
“I can’t believe $25 worth of gas is now costing me $1,200 to get my car back,” Williams told Action News 5 in February.
She says a mechanic discovered water in the gas from her BMW’s fuel tank. The state issued a “stop sale” on premium gas there.
“It started shaking and vibrating, and I cut it off, and I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, what happened?’” said Williams. “‘Maybe I got some bad gas.’ Because it was running fine prior to that.”
Six complaints were filed on the Amoco station on Poplar Avenue near White Station Road. Three people reported mechanics finding water in their gas tanks.
All complaints filed at the 14 gas stations were reported between January 13 and March 3.
The state will send an inspector to the gas stations to check for issues, water, or take a sample and then require the business to remedy the problem if an issue is found.
The state will not help drivers recover expenses. However, they can provide documentation of reports they gathered if a driver chooses to take legal action.
If you believe you purchased bad gasoline, you can call the Department of Agriculture to make a complaint at 1-800-OCTANE1.
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