Tank Filler Pipe And Cap problems of the 2004 Honda Civic

I have 2004 Civic and I have a problem that is similar to one about the gas tank indicator. It started after my 30k service at the local Honda dealership. But, I did not complain to them, as I really do not trust these people. (they had quoted me for a full service, and then called me at work to say they had to replace the cabin filter, so added another $80. . . Total to well over $500. ) I knew if I went in with a problem they would take me for a ride again. Anyway the problem went away after I added stp fuel cleaner a couple of times into a full tank. Wall mart has these for about $2. 50 for three small bottles, each work a single clean. I love my Honda. Nothing much wrong with the vehicle. It is just a good natured car, other than when trying to break gently at very low speed, as it has a tendency to jump. At low speeds, I now give my self space and I break with regular pressure. First, all cars will have some problems. Nothing mechanical can be perfect. So be aware of this when servicing a car. Secondly, the problem is mainly with dealers. Honda ought to crack down on these crooks by having set rules posted on doors of dealerships over pricing, what ought to be in a service, when the regular service is, etc. Even after the fuel affair was done with, I now watch how many miles I drive and fill it every 250 miles or so. That way it can never run out of gas. A few days ago I filled it up after 246 miles. It only needed 6. 5 gallons to top it up! yes, that is over 39 mph on the highway mostly @ 65 mph. We as consumer should complain. We need Honda to be more aggressive with standards. If honest people sell cars for Honda, the image is that much better. Honda ought to watch out. I have driven cars from the competition that is better and better. They are a major engine away from catching up, but in the area of customer service they are passing Honda.

I stopped to get gas and I pushed the lever to access the gas cap. When I went outside it was not open. I tried multiple times to push the lever but nothing was happening. I went to a Honda dealership (different from where I bought my car) and the technician was able to open it but now I can't close it until I replace the cable. The technician stated that this is a common problem on Honda Civics. I do not understand why there would not be a recall for this if Honda is aware of this issue arising on multiple occasions.

On July 13, 2006 on my way home from a trip, I needed to refill my gas tank. I pulled the floor lever to release the flap that covers my gas cap and the lever did not work. Therefore, I was stranded 100 miles from home because it would not open. There is no manual release in the trunk. I had to be towed home as the aaa responder could not determine how to disengage the cable thereby releasing the flap. My car is less than 2 years old. When I spoke to the Honda mechanic he implied that this is a defect with this dual release lever and that they have been seeing this problem regularly. It took the mechanic just a minute to disengage the cable so that I could access the gas cap while they ordered a new lever cable. I asked if I could have a key release flap and my request was denied. So now I could face this problem again in the future. Seems like Honda should be required to either recall these cables or put a manual release in the trunk or send out a notice to all Honda owners and towing companies like aaa advising them as to how they can disengage the cable and avoid being stranded.