Engen: The Garage That Destroyed My Car & Refused to Take Responsibility

As South Africans, many of us know the struggle of working long hours, earning just enough to make ends meet, and saving for years to buy something of value. For me, that was my first car, a Nissan Micra that I worked blood, sweat and tears to afford, maintain, and protect.

In February this year, on my way from Vryheid to Durban after the heavy rains and flooding, I stopped at an Engen garage to fuel up. Little did I know, I wasn’t just filling up my car, I was destroying it. Soon after leaving, my car began losing power and eventually went into limp mode. A mechanic confirmed what I feared, my fuel was contaminated with water.

I later discovered I wasn’t alone, other cars that filled up at the same station broke down too. Engen admitted the problem and other affected drivers were paid out quickly. But me? Eight months later, despite endless calls, emails, receipts, and proof of damages (including a Nissan report confirming my engine needs replacing), Engen has refused to pay me back a cent.

Instead, I’ve been left with a car that no longer runs, endless repair bills out of my own pocket, and silence from a billion-rand company that hides behind its name while ignoring ordinary South Africans who trusted them.

I am disgusted. A company that fuels this country should not get away with negligence, dishonesty, and complete disregard for customers. If Engen can treat me this way, they can treat you the same.

I will never support Engen again and I strongly urge fellow South Africans to think twice before putting your hard earned money into a company that clearly doesn’t care.

Engen destroyed my car and then refused to take responsibility.

We are now in the new year and still no resolution. These are the tactics of the billion Rand corporation that run this country.