Fuel contamination, water/bleach in the fuel

Tiny
NICKR1992
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 NISSAN TITAN
  • 5.0L
  • TURBO
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 40,000 MILES
On 6/18/2022 I purchased the truck listed above with the Cummins engine at City Auto Plaza in Canon City Colorado. I drove the vehicle approximately 50 miles. Was in possession of the vehicle approximately a total of 24 hours. The vehicle was in my sight and the only time it was not was the night of the eighteenth when the truck was stored in my garage. I drove the truck to work from Canon City Colorado to Florence Colorado (About 15 to 20 miles each way) and at approximately 8:30pm while on my way home the truck shut off in the middle of the highway causing me to have to hurry and jump out and push the truck out of the street to avoid being hit by oncoming traffic. I right away got on the phone and called a tow company and had them tow the truck back to the dealership ($145.00). 6/20/2022 I got ahold of the service department and asked what the problem was and was told that there was water/bleach inside of the fuel causing the fuel tank and fuel system to be contaminated. I then asked, how is this even possible and he said, "I do not know, you tell me". I had told the gentleman in the service department that there was no way this had happened while I was in possession of the vehicle because it never left my sight, and the vehicle was in my garage secured overnight. I never once opened the fuel door of the truck because I had no reason to due to the vehicle being fueled upon purchase. I was told that it was going to be "pretty pricey" and that there was no guarantee the extended warrantee I had purchased would cover it. I told them all I want is my trade in back and the deal to be off. They said sorry about your luck but we can't help you. They have since determined it was indeed water and bleach and have drained the fuel system and replaced all filters then filled it back up with fuel. Still won't start.

If somehow, they get the truck running I believe there be long term effects that as well could mess with me down the road. Do you think it's best just to refuse the truck in general and get a lawyer to make them get me something else or give me my trade back or even money back? I am willing to do whatever it takes considering this is my family's only vehicle.

Thank you in advance for your help in this terrible situation!
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 AT 5:24 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

You might want to have a conversation with the dealership General Manager or the owner.
It will be a good idea to have any documented mileage of the vehicle. Let's say since purchase you only drove x amount of miles. That should match the amount of fuel left in the vehicle fuel tank. I know that they drained the fuel, but they should have kept the drained fuel or at least measured the amount.
If the fuel amount and mileage add up, then it can be reasonably used as an evidence that the fuel issue was there when you purchased the vehicle.

However, one thing to keep in mind, if the issue is with their fuel, then they will have similar issues with other vehicles on the lot (given that they have their own fuel pump at the dealership).

Unfortunately, in situations like this you are kind of at the mercy of the dealership, given the vehicle is a used unit.

As for if they can get it started, if the issue is fuel contamination and they have cleaned all the lines or changed them, then you should not have long term impact.

I understand this can be extremely frustrating but as far as the service department is concerned, the fault is with the customer and not them, as they just assumed something has happened after the vehicle was sold.

Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
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Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022 AT 8:51 PM

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