Raising concerns over Ethanol 15 (E15), which is an alternative to pure gasoline for new model vehicles, the AAA issued a warning on Friday, asking the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and gas retailers to halt E15 sales.

Noting that E15 could cause potential damage to millions of vehicles as well as invalidate car warranties, the AAA said in its warning that the use of the newest ethanol fuel blend has been approved by vehicle manufacturers in only 12 million of over 240 million cars, trucks and SUVs currently in use. However, AAA also added that flex-fuel vehicles; 2012 and newer models of General Motors vehicles; 2013 Ford models; and 2001 and later Porsche models were exceptions.

With the EPA having given its approval for the increase in ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent, the AAA's warning implies that the use of E15 ethanol fuel blend in vehicles manufactured before 2001 - and also in some car models prior to 2007 - could result in serious problems for car owners.

The AAA warning substantiates the critics' arguments that the sale of E15 ethanol fuel blend by gas stations will lead to a mis-fueling of the vehicles by the consumers; thereby causing damaging effects which they may be unaware of.

Pointing out that "millions of Americans are unfamiliar with E15," AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet told USA TODAY: "There is a strong possibility that many may improperly fill up using this gasoline and damage their vehicle."