The Lemon IndexThere's a small leak in the fuel vapor system.
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
Gas cap not sealing. Then: cracked EVAP hose; leaking purge or vent valve.
Owners named P0442 in 52 complaints to the U.S. government, most often on the GMC Envoy.
Cars owners report it on
Complaints that name P0442, by model. Raw counts, not a failure rate: popular models get more complaints.
Years owners report it on most: 2004 GMC Envoy · 2003 GMC Envoy · 2013 Hyundai Veloster
The details
What P0442 means
There's a small leak in the fuel vapor system.
Can I drive with P0442?
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
12% of the owner complaints that name P0442 also say the car fuel smell or fuel leak. A complaint can describe more than one problem, so this doesn't prove the code caused it.
Common causes of P0442
- Gas cap not sealing
- Cracked EVAP hose
- Leaking purge or vent valve
A shop should confirm the cause with a scan and tests before replacing parts.
What owners describe
- Fuel smell or fuel leak: 12% of complaints
- Warning lights and electrical faults: 10% of complaints
- Stalls or shuts off: 6% of complaints
- Loses power or goes into limp mode: 6% of complaints
Share of complaints naming the code whose text also mentions each problem.
Model years that report P0442 most
2004 GMC Envoy (3), 2003 GMC Envoy (3), 2013 Hyundai Veloster (2).
Related codes
P0441 P0443 P0440 P0445 P0446 P0448 P0449 P043F
Quick answers
What does P0442 mean?
Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Small Leak). There's a small leak in the fuel vapor system.
Can I drive with P0442?
Drive on, get it checked. You can usually keep driving. Have the code read at your next service or within a few weeks.
What causes P0442?
Gas cap not sealing; Cracked EVAP hose; Leaking purge or vent valve.
Counts: NHTSA owner complaints whose text names P0442. A complaint is an owner's report, not a diagnosis. Meanings: the standard SAE J2012 definitions in our own words; manufacturer codes only where verified for that make. General information, not repair advice for your car.