P0442 on a 2010 Chrysler Town Country

P0442 means the EVAP system could not hold pressure or vacuum during a leak test, but the leak is small.

Not your vehicle? See general P0442 info.

Most common causes on the 2010 Chrysler Town Country

Ranked from 1,555 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

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1
Fuel loss/leak with fuel odor consistent with an EVAP or fuel-tank system leak
High severity
An owner on this exact van reported the fuel level dropping overnight while parked and smelling fuel inside the vehicle, recurring on multiple occasions.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
2
Filler neck / EVAP vent line restriction causing fuel to spit back at fill-up
Medium severity
An owner reported fuel spitting out of the filler neck and running down the vehicle at every fill-up, consistent with a restricted EVAP vent path or filler-neck fault.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:fuel filler neck EVAP vent line
3
Loose or damaged gas cap
Low severity
The most common, cheapest-to-check small-leak cause.
Common cause
Parts:gas cap
4
Purge valve stuck open
Medium severity
Lets outside air into the EVAP system during the leak test.
Common cause
Parts:EVAP purge valve
5
Charcoal canister crack
Medium severity
A cracked canister housing produces a small, steady leak.
Common cause
Parts:charcoal canister
6
Cracked or deteriorated EVAP hose
Medium severity
Age-hardened rubber EVAP lines commonly crack and leak.
Common cause
Parts:EVAP hose

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These causes are aggregated from NHTSA owner complaints and general repair knowledge — this is not a diagnosis. P0442 on your car still needs shop confirmation before any repair.

Common symptoms

Check engine light
Fuel smell near vehicle
Usually drives normally
Hard start after fueling in some cases

What to check before replacing parts

Tighten and inspect the gas cap

Look for: A cap that doesn't click to full tightness, has a visibly cracked or flattened seal, or is simply missing is the single most common cause of a small EVAP leak — rule it out first.

Smoke-test the EVAP system

Look for: Because this is a small leak, expect only a thin wisp of smoke or a faint hiss at one spot (a hose, seam, or valve) rather than an obvious cloud — look closely and take your time.

Check purge valve sealing

Look for: A purge valve that doesn't hold vacuum when commanded closed lets a small amount of air bleed through, which the system reads as a leak during its self-test.

Inspect hoses near the tank and engine bay

Look for: Look for small cracks, soft/collapsed spots, or a hose that has pulled loose slightly at a fitting — any of these can leak just enough to trip a small-leak code without an obvious fuel smell.

Verify vent valve operation

Look for: A vent valve that doesn't seal fully when commanded closed prevents the system from holding vacuum during its self-test, which reads as a small leak even with no physical leak in the hoses.

Rather have a pro handle it? Find a vetted local mechanic.

Matching symptoms

Check Engine Light