Yes the problem is far from fatal, BUT, in my state (Massachusetts) the car with Check Engine Light on fails anual emissions inspection. If your car is still under warranty, I recomend you take it to the dealer for EVERY occurance of the CE light. At least this will give you the paper trail if anything happens later. I am sure they will replace all sorts of parts for you starting with your gas cap and going on up to the charcoal canister with countless valves in between. If you have it all in the history of the car, you will have a case if it turns out that the tank was bad. It can also be as simple as loose/misthreaded gascap (though I give most people credit for being able to operate those simple devices correctly). You didn't fuel up with engine running or the ignition on, did you? What about someone before you? I would still take it in and have them read the codes and reset the light. If the codes are 611 or 612 and it shows up again soon, you may be in for a gas tank. I was very surprised, but the VCNA rep was the one to suggest the gastank. He said he's seen a few cases of tanks with clogs. I was going through charcoal canisters like napkins and the car did not keep the pressure in the tank. Yet first 3 or 4 times I came with the 611/612 codes, they didn't seem to notice that. Personally, I thought the software was at fault by design. Too sensetive and not able to tell the difference between a blip in pressure loss and a real problem. Now I am not so sure any more, since my CE light's been dark for the past 4 months (close to a record for me). The jury is still out. As for the annoyance factor, use electric tape technique while it is on. Also, while it is on you have no warning of any other faults, since the light is already on. That's bad, so have it put out by the dealer and don't let go if it persists.