P0442 on a 2018 Honda Cr V

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 2018 Honda Cr V

Ranked from 2,094 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

Sort by:

1
Cracked or deteriorated EVAP line, hose, or fuel tank
Medium severity
One owner reported a persistent unexplained gasoline odor outside and later inside the car that the dealer could not visually confirm as a leak — a classic small-EVAP-leak presentation consistent with a hairline crack in a line or the tank.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:EVAP hose
2
Purge valve (canister purge valve) stuck or malfunctioning
Medium severity
A Honda technician explicitly diagnosed a 'purge flow malfunction' on one of these vehicles during recall-related service, directly implicating the purge valve/circuit.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:purge valve
3
Loose, damaged, or missing gas cap
Low severity
The single most common trigger for a small EVAP leak code; always check/reseat or replace the cap and inspect the sealing gasket first.
Common cause
Parts:gas cap
4
Charcoal canister crack or saturation
Low severity
A cracked canister housing or a canister saturated with liquid fuel cannot properly hold/purge vapor, producing a small leak code.
Common cause
Parts:charcoal canister
5
EVAP vent valve stuck
Low severity
A vent valve that won't seat fully prevents the EVAP system from holding vacuum/pressure during self-test, registering as a leak.
Common cause
Parts:vent valve
6
Rusted or damaged fuel filler neck
Low severity
Corrosion or physical damage to the filler neck creates a small leak path that will not always be visible on inspection.
Common cause

Part links go to Amazon search results for this vehicle. As an Amazon Associate, WrenchConnect earns from qualifying purchases — always confirm fitment for your exact trim and engine before ordering.

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