P0442 on a 2016 Ford Explorer

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 2016 Ford Explorer

Ranked from 2,432 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

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1
EVAP purge/vent solenoid failure (repeat failures)
High severity
Two separate owners had EVAP-related components (described as 'evap throttle'/'evap pump') replaced multiple times for a recurring EVAP code.
Reported in 2 NHTSA complaints
Parts:EVAP purge valve EVAP vent valve
2
Loose or damaged fuel filler neck/seal
Medium severity
Owners report a loose filler neck causing spillage and fuel leaking from the filler door area - both consistent with a filler-neck EVAP leak path.
Reported in 2 NHTSA complaints
Parts:fuel filler neck
3
Canister purge valve stuck open
High severity
An owner's purge valve was found stuck open, leaking strong fuel vapors into the cabin before the check engine light even came on.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:purge valve
4
Fuel tank or fuel line leak
High severity
One owner discovered fuel pouring from the front of the vehicle, indicating a leak in the fuel tank or supply lines that can also fail the EVAP leak test.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
5
Loose, missing, or faulty gas cap
Low severity
Always the first, easiest check for a small EVAP leak code.
Common cause
6
Cracked charcoal canister
Medium severity
A hairline crack in the canister housing produces a small, steady EVAP leak.
Common cause
Parts:charcoal canister
7
Aged or cracked EVAP vent hose
Medium severity
Heat-cycled rubber lines develop small cracks that fail the leak-detection monitor.
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.

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

Matching symptoms

Check Engine Light