P0442 on a 2013 Ford Fusion

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 2013 Ford Fusion

Ranked from 1,948 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

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1
Canister purge valve (CPV) stuck open or failed
High severity
Multiple owners had the purge valve diagnosed or replaced after stalling/rough-start symptoms right after refueling, a classic purge-valve signature.
Reported in 9 NHTSA complaints
Parts:purge valve
2
P0456/P1450-type EVAP vacuum leak from a blocked or faulty fuel-tank vent path
Medium severity
Owners reported the code P1450 ("unable to bleed up fuel tank vacuum") along with stalling and a whistling/whining noise near the fuel tank consistent with a restricted or leaking vent path.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
3
Fuel vapor odor from a cracked EVAP canister or purge/vent line
Medium severity
A strong gasoline smell was traced to the evaporative system with no external leak found on inspection, consistent with a small internal EVAP crack.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:EVAP canister EVAP lines
4
Loose, cross-threaded, or worn fuel filler cap
Low severity
The single most common trigger for a small EVAP leak code; check that the cap clicks fully and the seal isn't cracked before condemning any other component.
Common cause
Parts:fuel cap
5
Cracked or brittle EVAP hoses/lines
Medium severity
Heat- and age-cracked rubber EVAP lines under the vehicle are a frequent small-leak source; smoke-test the system to pinpoint.
Common cause
Parts:EVAP lines
6
Rusted or corroded fuel filler neck
Low severity
Rust-through of the filler neck creates a leak path that a smoke test will reveal; more common on high-mileage, road-salt-exposed vehicles.
Common cause

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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.

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Matching symptoms

Check Engine Light