P0442 on a 2021 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 2021 Ford Escape

Ranked from 326 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

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1
Cracked fuel injector body leaking fuel/vapor (NHTSA recall 25S76 / 25V467)
High severity
By far the dominant theme in this vehicle's complaints: the recalled 1.5L injectors crack and leak fuel/vapor into the engine bay, producing a persistent gasoline smell, under-hood fires, and emissions/EVAP-related codes.
Reported in 20 NHTSA complaints
Parts:fuel injector
2
EVAP purge or vent solenoid failure
Medium severity
Two owners report purge/vent solenoids specifically: one had two EVAP solenoids replaced without resolution, another's engine stalls on refueling with a purge-valve fault cited.
Reported in 2 NHTSA complaints
Parts:purge valve vent valve
3
Fuel filler door/cap not sealing or latching
Low severity
One owner's fuel filler lid would not close, directly triggering the check-engine light.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
Parts:fuel filler door gas cap
4
Loose or worn gas cap (general)
Low severity
Always the first thing to rule out on any small EVAP leak code.
Common cause
Parts:gas cap
5
Cracked or disconnected EVAP purge/vent line
Medium severity
Age/heat-cycling cracks the rubber or plastic lines.
Common cause
6
Cracked charcoal canister
Medium severity
A perforated canister shell leaks vapor to atmosphere.
Common cause
Parts:charcoal canister

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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