P0442 on a 2013 Nissan Altima

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 Nissan Altima

Ranked from 2,304 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

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1
Fuel tank vent/ORVR system restriction causing pump nozzle to click off prematurely
Medium severity
An owner's complaint cites an NHTSA reference for the fuel filler nozzle kicking off immediately and repeatedly at the pump, a classic sign the tank isn't venting correctly through the EVAP/ORVR path.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:fuel tank vent valve
2
Purge valve stuck open drawing raw fuel vapor after refueling
Low severity
One owner reported the car hesitating and cutting off specifically after pumping fuel, consistent with a purge valve not closing properly during/after refueling.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:purge valve
3
Loose or faulty gas cap
Low severity
The most common trigger for a small EVAP leak code; verify the cap seats and clicks fully.
Common cause
Parts:gas cap
4
Cracked or deteriorated EVAP hoses/lines
Medium severity
Age-hardened rubber lines crack and leak vapor slowly, a common general EVAP fault.
Common cause
Parts:evap hose
5
Cracked charcoal canister
Medium severity
A split canister housing from age or vibration is a common slow-leak source.
Common cause
Parts:charcoal canister
6
Rusted or corroded fuel filler neck
Low severity
Corrosion at the filler neck seam breaks the EVAP seal, especially in older, high-mileage vehicles.
Common cause
Parts:filler neck
7
Faulty fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor
Low severity
An inaccurate FTP sensor reading can make the PCM believe the tank is leaking down when it actually is not, or mask a real leak.
Common cause
Parts:fuel tank pressure sensor

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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