P0442 on a 2021 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 2021 Honda Cr V

Ranked from 311 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.

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1
Failing high-pressure fuel pump seal
Medium severity
Several owners of this vehicle had confirmed fuel pump failures/leaks (a known Honda fuel-pump recall pattern), which can also present as a fuel-vapor/EVAP leak.
Reported in 4 NHTSA complaints
Parts:fuel pump
2
Fuel vapor leak presenting as fuel odor from cabin vents
Medium severity
One owner of this exact vehicle reported a strong fuel smell from the vents at highway speed with no leak found on inspection, consistent with a small EVAP/fuel-vapor leak.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaint
3
Loose or faulty gas cap
Low severity
The most common small-EVAP-leak cause generally; verify the cap seats and clicks properly.
Common cause
Parts:fuel cap
4
Purge valve failure
Medium severity
A purge valve that leaks or sticks disrupts the EVAP system's ability to hold vacuum/pressure during the small-leak monitor.
Common cause
Parts:purge valve
5
Canister vent valve failure
Medium severity
A vent valve that doesn't seal fully lets in a small amount of outside air, the classic P0442 pattern.
Common cause
Parts:vent valve
6
Charcoal canister crack
Medium severity
A cracked canister housing is a common small-leak source near the fuel tank.
Common cause
Parts:charcoal canister
7
Cracked or degraded EVAP hose or line
Medium severity
Age- or heat-related cracks in the EVAP lines allow a slow leak; a smoke test will usually find it.
Common cause
Parts:EVAP hose

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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.

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Matching symptoms

Check Engine Light