'Anyone Else Ever Experience This?' Woman’s Car Is on E. But It Also Won’t Take Any Gas

"It just spills out everywhere."

Photo by: @kristataylor25 & Unsplash.com

By: Alexandra Samuels

Jul 5, 2025 at 5:00pm ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

A woman recently went viral on TikTok after sharing a strange problem with her car: Despite the fuel gauge reading empty, it wouldn’t take any gas.

“My car legit won’t take gas and it’s on E. WTF!” Krista Poe (@kristataylor25) said in a now-viral video.

In the short clip, Poe struggles to insert a gas pump into her car’s fuel tank. But no matter how many times she tries, the gas keeps spilling out.

“Anyone else ever experience this?” she wrote in the caption. “The car is on E and it legit won’t take the gas, it just spills out everywhere. WTH is going on!!?”

The video has racked up over 1.7 million views since Sunday, with viewers flooding the comments to offer theories.

What’s the Issue?

While it’s hard to diagnose the exact problem without inspecting the car, several common culprits could explain why a vehicle might refuse to accept fuel—even when running on empty.

Faulty or Clogged EVAP

One likely source is the evaporative emissions system (EVAP), which prevents gas vapors from escaping into the air. If the EVAP canister or purge valve is clogged or faulty, the fuel tank may not vent properly, causing the pump to shut off or fuel to back up and spill out.

Gas Station Malfunction

Of course, the problem might not be with the car at all—it could be the gas station’s pump. A malfunctioning or clogged nozzle can block fuel from flowing correctly, making it nearly impossible to fill the tank. In these cases, switching pumps or stations often solves the issue.

Still, if the problem persists, Poe would be wise to call a mechanic—or roadside assistance like AAA—for a more thorough inspection.

According to CarParts.com, potential quick fixes include checking the fuel cap, inspecting the filler neck for obstructions, cleaning the EVAP components (if you’re comfortable doing so), or asking the gas station attendant for help switching pumps.

Risks of Running on Empty

Some car issues are unpredictable. But driving on an empty tank isn’t one of them. It’s avoidable, and experts say it’s a habit drivers should break. Car care professionals recommend keeping your gas tank at least a quarter full at all times.

Why? For starters, if you run out of fuel, your engine will shut off—leaving you stranded wherever it happens. That could mean calling roadside assistance, hoofing it to the nearest gas station, or worse, being stuck on the side of a busy highway.

But the inconvenience is only part of the problem. Driving on fumes can actually damage your vehicle over time. Critical parts like the fuel pump rely on gas for cooling and lubrication. When your tank is nearly empty, the pump can overheat or wear out faster, leading to expensive repairs.

Viewers Offer Advice

No one commenting on Poe’s TikTok saw her car in person. That didn’t stop them from playing mechanic in the replies.

“Gas gauge is broke,” one viewer speculated. “Stuck on empty!!!”

They weren’t alone. Multiple commenters pointed to a possible faulty fuel gauge as the culprit behind Poe’s struggle at the pump.

“Is your gauge broken?” another asked.

“Your fuel gauge is not measuring properly,” a third chimed in.

Others, meanwhile, were more concerned with the safety risks of repeatedly spilling gas while filming. A few viewers scolded Poe for continuing to pump fuel despite the clear malfunction—and doing so on camera.

“Who keeps squeezing the gasoline all over the car and the ground??” one incredulous commenter wrote.

“That was a great idea to spill gas everywhere,” another quipped. “Over and over.”

What do you think?

View

Comments

“It’s fun watching people not understand how dangerous their situation is,” added the top-liked comment.

Motor1 has reached out to Poe via a TikTok direct message. We'll be sure to update this if she responds.