Every long-distance driver knows that not all gas stations are worth the stop. Across the United States, travelers have reported stations where fuel contamination, poor management, or safety concerns turned a routine refill into a costly or dangerous experience. Verified incidents from local reports and state inspections reveal that specific locations, not entire chains, have earned their bad reputations. These stations show why drivers should stay alert, keep receipts, and choose trusted, well-monitored stops during their journeys.
1. Shell Gas Station – 285 Hegenberger Road, Oakland, California
This Shell station near Oakland International Airport has become infamous for frequent robberies and break-ins. Police records show hundreds of thefts and car burglaries in recent years, many targeting rental cars full of luggage. Most incidents happened in broad daylight while travelers were refueling. The surrounding area remains one of Oakland’s most reported crime zones, prompting officers to advise drivers to fuel up before reaching the airport. Locals warn visitors to keep doors locked, hide valuables, and remain in the vehicle if they must stop here.
2. Circle K – 75th Avenue and Thomas Road, Phoenix, Arizona
In early 2025, dozens of Arizona drivers reported severe engine issues after fueling at this Circle K. A delivery mistake mixed diesel into the unleaded tanks, causing cars to stall and smoke shortly after leaving. Mechanics across Phoenix documented the same pattern, and local officials confirmed more than 50 claims for damage. Customers described long delays in compensation and out-of-pocket repair costs exceeding a thousand dollars. Pumps were eventually replaced, but the incident made this site one of the most discussed problem stations in the region.
3. Circle K – 36071 Chester Road, Avon, Ohio
This Circle K in Avon drew state and media attention when drivers found diesel contamination in regular gasoline. Several vehicles broke down minutes after refueling, with witnesses describing white smoke and loss of power. The station was temporarily shut down to clean the tanks and replace the fuel. While management apologized and began reimbursements, some motorists said the process was slow and disorganized. Even after reopening, reviews stayed cautious, and residents still warn travelers to verify fuel quality before filling up here.
4. ARCO – 7126 Ohio Route 73, Wilmington, Ohio
Drivers at this ARCO found their cars refusing to start moments after refueling in April 2025. Tests later showed that the gasoline contained a high level of water, which can cause major engine damage. Several motorists shared repair bills exceeding a thousand dollars for draining and cleaning their fuel systems. The station temporarily halted operations and offered refunds to affected customers. Although pumps reopened, the event left lasting distrust among residents. Local mechanics now caution drivers to check for recent inspection notices before buying gas at this location.
5. Conoco – Camden, New Jersey
State inspectors in Camden discovered dangerously high water levels in the fuel tanks at this Conoco station after multiple breakdowns were reported in one week. The contamination was traced to poor tank maintenance that allowed rainwater to mix with gasoline. Officials fined the operator and shut down sales until repairs were made. Drivers caught in the incident faced stalling and no-start conditions that required fuel system flushes. Residents still avoid this site and note that routine oversight could have prevented widespread vehicle damage.
6. Chevron – 4128 Lawrenceville Road, Loganville, Georgia
In August 2025, several motorists complained their vehicles shook and lost power after filling up at this Chevron. State inspectors confirmed that premium-grade fuel at the station contained water. Mechanics documented contaminated samples from multiple customers, and the store quickly suspended premium sales. While Chevron replaced the affected product, drivers who refueled here paid hundreds in repairs before learning of the contamination. The case serves as a warning that even established brands can have local issues when tanks are not regularly maintained and inspected.
7. Sam’s Club Fuel Center – 50555 Valley Plaza Drive, St. Clairsville, Ohio
During July 2025, members at this Sam’s Club experienced widespread fuel problems after diesel was accidentally delivered into the regular gasoline tanks. Dozens of drivers reported stalling within minutes of leaving, forcing tows and service visits. The company stopped sales immediately and issued claim forms to customers who presented receipts and repair estimates. Despite its large membership base, this event highlighted the risks of bulk fuel handling mistakes. Travelers in eastern Ohio now cite this site as a reminder to save every fuel receipt during long trips.
8. QuikTrip – 1701 Sparta Pike, Lebanon, Tennessee
This QuikTrip in Lebanon drew regional headlines in September 2025 after a supplier mistakenly delivered diesel into the regular fuel system. Multiple vehicles stalled along the highway just beyond the exit, leading to traffic slowdowns and safety concerns. The station shut its pumps and replaced fuel tanks while refunding affected customers. Repairs for drivers averaged several hundred dollars. Though the chain remains popular statewide, this particular stop is remembered as one of the most disruptive cross-fuel incidents reported that year.
9. BP – 1723 Jackson Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee
Inspectors from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture found water contamination at this BP location in early 2025, prompting an immediate stop-sale order. Several motorists reported rough idling and check engine lights shortly after refueling. The investigation confirmed phase separation in the storage tanks, a condition that allows water to mix with fuel. Repairs for affected vehicles ranged from filter replacements to full system cleaning. The case sparked tighter oversight across Shelby County stations and remains a warning about how neglected maintenance can reach drivers fast.
10. Valero – 11614 West Belleview Avenue, Littleton, Colorado
In spring 2025, motorists using premium fuel at this Valero station in Littleton noticed their engines shaking and failing to start. Samples tested later showed contamination consistent with water intrusion or improper storage. Drivers paid for costly flushes and filter changes while awaiting responses from corporate representatives. Although pumps were serviced and reopened, the incident spread quickly across local news sites. Travelers in the Denver area still list this stop as one to avoid until inspections and quality controls are fully verified.
11. Murphy USA – 301 East Loop 281, Longview, Texas
This Murphy USA station caused a Labor Day weekend nightmare for dozens of drivers when diesel was mixed into regular gasoline. Vehicles began smoking and stalling across the nearby intersection, forcing emergency tows. The company paused all fuel sales, drained the tanks, and compensated verified claims. Mechanics reported replacing filters, injectors, and catalytic converters in several cases. Though operations resumed after cleanup, Longview residents still share warnings about the location and remind travelers that low fuel prices are never worth a damaged engine.
12. Circle K – 1491 Timberlane Road, Tallahassee, Florida
In December 2024, numerous drivers in Tallahassee reported stalling and check-engine warnings after refueling at this Circle K. Investigators traced the cause to water contamination from poorly sealed underground tanks. More than twenty motorists required tows, and mechanics replaced filters and spark plugs damaged by waterlogged gasoline. The state fined the operator and required tank maintenance before reopening. Many locals now steer clear of the intersection, calling it one of the costliest fuel errors in recent memory.
13. Shell – 721 North Tucker Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri
Located in the city’s Downtown West neighborhood, this Shell station became one of the most notorious in St. Louis for safety concerns. Police logged thousands of calls, including robberies and assaults, leading a judge to revoke its business license in 2024. The site closed permanently and was later fenced off under a court-approved settlement. Residents described constant disturbances and late-night fights before the closure. The decision to shut it down was welcomed by nearby businesses that had long asked the city for intervention.
14. Gulf – Natural Bridge Avenue and Goodfellow Boulevard, St. Louis, Missouri
This Gulf station sits in an area long associated with violent incidents. In mid-2025, police investigated a fatal shooting in a car parked beside the pumps, renewing concerns about safety along this corridor. Locals describe repeated robberies and assaults in and around the station after dark. Community groups have urged the operator to install stronger lighting and security cameras, though many residents now avoid fueling there altogether. Travelers through North St. Louis are advised to use well-lit highway exits instead of this urban intersection.
