A Toyota Innova Hycross owner from Bihar, Manish Kashyap, has shared two videos on social media alleging fuel-related issues in his hybrid MPV after running on E20 petrol.
In the videos, Kashyap claims that his Innova Hycross, which has run around 12,000 km, developed issues such as engine vibration, knocking and breakdown-like symptoms.
Owner Questions E20 RolloutKashyap repeatedly points out that the fuel lid of his Innova Hycross mentions “Up to E20 Petrol”, indicating that the vehicle is compatible with E20 fuel.
In the videos, Kashyap repeatedly criticises Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, attributing the country’s transition to E20 petrol to government policy.
A service centre representative in the video appears to indicate that if the problem is due to fuel contamination, warranty coverage may not be straightforward.
A Toyota Innova Hycross owner from Bihar, Manish Kashyap, has shared two videos on social media alleging fuel-related issues in his hybrid MPV after running on E20 petrol. Kashyap, who describes himself as a public figure and claims a large following across Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, recorded the videos at a Toyota service centre while his vehicle was being inspected.
In the videos, Kashyap claims that his Innova Hycross, which has run around 12,000 km, developed issues such as engine vibration, knocking and breakdown-like symptoms. He alleges that fuel samples taken from the vehicle showed abnormal ethanol content and contamination.
Fuel Tank Removed For Inspection
In the second video, the fuel tank of the Innova Hycross can be seen removed from the vehicle. Kashyap shows the fuel pump/filter assembly and explains that the fuel passes through fine filters before reaching the engine. He also shows multiple samples of fuel allegedly taken from different parts of the tank and fuel system.
According to him, the samples appear different in colour/quality and some contain visible dirt or contamination. He questions how such contamination entered the system and asks whether the responsibility lies with the fuel pump, refinery, vehicle manufacturer or government policy.
Owner Questions E20 Rollout
Kashyap repeatedly points out that the fuel lid of his Innova Hycross mentions “Up to E20 Petrol”, indicating that the vehicle is compatible with E20 fuel. He claims that despite using E20-compatible fuel, the vehicle has faced problems within just a few months of ownership.
In the videos, Kashyap repeatedly criticises Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, attributing the country’s transition to E20 petrol to government policy. He argues that consumers should have the option of purchasing regular petrol instead of only E20-blended fuel and questions who would be responsible if a vehicle develops fuel-related issues. He also says he is prepared to approach the courts seeking relief.
Warranty Concern Raised
Another major concern raised by the owner is warranty coverage. Kashyap claims he has purchased extended warranty up to 2 lakh km, but questions who will pay for inspection, cleaning and replacement if the problem is treated as fuel contamination. A service centre representative in the video appears to indicate that if the problem is due to fuel contamination, warranty coverage may not be straightforward.
Increasing Reports
The videos also reflect a broader concern that has been surfacing online in recent months. Several vehicle owners have posted on social media alleging issues such as reduced fuel efficiency, fuel system contamination and driveability problems after switching to E20 petrol. These videos and posts on social media have added to the ongoing public debate around fuel quality, ethanol content and long-term compatibility.
For consumers, establishing the exact cause of such issues remains challenging. Without a transparent process for independent fuel testing and clear accountability among vehicle manufacturers, fuel retailers and oil marketing companies, vehicle owners may struggle to determine whether the fault lies with the vehicle, the fuel or another component.
