Man says his car burst into flames after Walmart oil change -- and offered $200 in compensation

SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Joshua Nesbitt went in for an oil change and ended up with his car destroyed by fire.

It happened at a Walmart in College Park and the store is refusing to pay for the damage.

Channel 2's Justin Gray talked to Nesbitt who said the car's engine burned up. But he said all Walmart is offering is $200 in compensation.

“Just total shock. I mean, I went for routine oil change, next thing you know my car is gone,” Nesbitt said.

Nesbitt couldn't do anything but watch and record what was happening on his cellphone. His 2012 Nissan Altima was engulfed in flames in the Walmart parking lot.

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Nesbitt said he went to the Walmart Auto Center on Old National Highway for his regular oil change and on the way home, he noticed the car smoking.

When he popped the hood, he took pictures of the oil cap missing and called Walmart.

“The only reason I went up there because they were saying they had to see the car, see what was going on and no one from there told me, ‘Do not get into the car,’” Nesbitt said.

Nesbitt only lives one sixth of a mile from the Walmart.

In a letter from Walmart’s insurer, they are only offering Nesbitt $200 in compensation.

Nesbitt said they told him the fire would not have happened if he had not driven back that .6 miles

“Just totally outrageous. Me, going for a routine oil change and next thing you know, I’m getting the blame put on me. It’s mind-boggling,” Nesbitt said.

A Walmart spokesperson told Gray that they are working to get details together on this incident.

Cox Media Group