Are you sure they don't do that?

https://www.quora.com/Why-does-my-car-feel-more-powerful-aft...

A couple of people there speculate that's what happens to them.

I doubt there would be much backlash - stranding a driver with an empty tank is about the worst thing that could happen short of a breakdown. "Yes of course we do everything we can to help you get to a fuel stop"