P0442 on a 2019 Ford Escape

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 2019 Ford Escape

Ranked from 563 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

Sort by:

1
Failed/stuck EVAP purge valve
Medium severity
One owner's dealer scan pulled P0496 for a purge valve sticking open, and another documents an EVAP purge valve failure (backordered part) that caused the fuel system to vapor-lock at fueling — both direct EVAP-purge-valve failures.
Reported in 2 NHTSA complaints
Parts:EVAP purge valve
2
EVAP system leak confirmed by dealer
Medium severity
One owner's EVAP leak was directly confirmed by a Ford dealership shortly after purchase, though Ford's own emissions warranty did not cover the repair.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
3
Loose, worn, or improperly seated fuel filler cap
Low severity
The most common everyday cause of a small EVAP leak; rule out first. Most fuel/propulsion complaints on this vehicle are the unrelated EcoBoost coolant-intrusion issue and were excluded here as not code-consistent.
Common cause
Parts:fuel filler cap
4
Cracked or disconnected EVAP vapor line/hose
Low severity
Age-hardened or chafed vapor hoses between the tank, canister, and purge valve are a common small-leak source.
Common cause
Parts:EVAP hose EVAP line
5
Cracked charcoal canister
Low severity
A hairline crack in the canister housing produces a slow, steady vapor leak consistent with a small-leak code.
Common cause
Parts:EVAP charcoal canister
6
EVAP vent valve (CVV) stuck partially open
Low severity
A vent valve that doesn't fully seal lets the system slowly equalize to atmosphere, presenting as a small leak.
Common cause
Parts:EVAP vent valve

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