P0442 on a 2017 Kia Sportage

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 2017 Kia Sportage

Ranked from 397 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

Sort by:

1
Loose, worn, or failing gas cap
Low severity
An owner reported replacing the gas cap three times while the CEL kept returning, along with an audible gurgle from the tank - a classic small-leak (P0442) signature.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:gas cap
2
Rusted or corroded fuel filler neck
Low severity
The same owner noted the filler neck throat rusting and staying grimy, a physical entry point for a small unmetered leak in the EVAP system.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:fuel filler neck
3
Rodent-damaged fuel/EVAP line
Medium severity
One owner had a plastic fuel line chewed by an animal, causing a fuel odor and leak - rodent damage to EVAP hoses or lines is a known small-leak source.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:fuel line EVAP hose
4
Cracked or disconnected EVAP purge/vent hose
Low severity
Brittle rubber or plastic EVAP hoses crack with age and heat cycling, producing a small, steady leak.
Common cause
5
Purge valve leaking or stuck open
Low severity
A leaking purge solenoid allows outside air into the EVAP system during the leak-test monitor, tripping a small-leak code.
Common cause
Parts:purge valve
6
Cracked charcoal canister
Low severity
A hairline crack in the canister housing is a common small-leak source that only shows up during the EVAP monitor's vacuum test.
Common cause
Parts:charcoal canister
7
Degraded EVAP seals/connectors from age and heat
Low severity
O-rings and quick-connect fittings throughout the EVAP system harden and leak slightly as they age, especially in engine-bay heat.
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