P0442 on Nissan
Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak)
P0442 on Nissan vehicles indicates evaporative emission control system leak detected (small leak). Au7o has documented this code across 4 Nissan models — most commonly on Frontier, Quest, Rogue. This emissions code means the evaporative emission (EVAP) control system has detected a small leak. The EVAP system seals the fuel tank and captures gasoline vapors, routing them to be burned in the engine instead of escaping into the air, and the computer periodically pressure- or vacuum-tests the system to confirm it's sealed. A small leak the size of about a 0.040-inch hole will set this code. By far the most common and cheapest cause is a loose, damaged, or missing gas cap, so that's the first thing to check, though any cracked hose or worn seal in the system can also trigger it. Typical repair costs on Nissan range from $100 to $1,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0442
- •Loose, damaged, or missing fuel filler cap
- •Worn or cracked gas cap seal
- •Cracked or disconnected EVAP hose or line
- •Faulty purge valve or vent valve
- •Damaged O-ring or seal at the fuel tank or filler neck
- •Small crack in the charcoal canister
- •Leaking fuel tank sending unit gasket
P0442 on Nissan by Model
Nissan Frontier(1 issue)
- EVAP Canister and Vent Control Valve Failure Triggering Check Engine Light2000-2004
The evaporative emissions system on these trucks commonly develops faults from a sticking vent control valve, saturated charcoal canister, cracked hoses, or rust/dirt intrusion near the rear-mounted canister. Owners frequently report persistent check-engine lights and failed emissions inspections even though the truck otherwise drives normally. Nissan published EVAP-related service bulletins for leak and vent valve diagnosis on Frontier/Xterra-era trucks.
Nissan Quest(1 issue)
- Rear A/C System Failure2011-2017
The Quest rear A/C system fails prematurely due to the rear evaporator developing leaks. The rear A/C then blows warm air while the front works normally. The rear expansion valve can also stick, preventing proper refrigerant flow. Repairing the rear A/C requires significant disassembly of interior panels.
Nissan Rogue(1 issue)
- EVAP Vent Control Valve / Charcoal Canister Faults Triggering Check Engine Light and Hard Refueling2008-2013
Rogue owners commonly report EVAP system faults caused by a sticking vent control valve, contaminated canister, or related hose issues. The problem often shows up as a persistent check engine light and, in some cases, the gas pump repeatedly clicks off during refueling because the tank cannot vent properly. Nissan service literature for EVAP leak and vent valve diagnosis exists, and complaint/forum activity is consistent across this generation.
Nissan Sentra(1 issue)
- Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion and Rust-Through Triggering EVAP Leaks and Fuel Smell2000-2006
In rust-belt climates, the Sentra's steel fuel filler neck commonly corrodes where road salt and debris collect behind the left rear wheel area. Owners report a strong gasoline odor after fill-ups, visible rust holes, EVAP leak codes, and in some cases fuel dripping during refueling. Nissan issued a recall on certain vehicles for corrosion of the filler tube that could lead to fuel leakage.
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View P0442 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0442 mean on Nissan?▼
P0442 stands for "Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak)." This emissions code means the evaporative emission (EVAP) control system has detected a small leak. The EVAP system seals the fuel tank and captures gasoline vapors, routing them to be burned in the engine instead of escaping into the air, and the computer periodically pressure- or vacuum-tests the system to confirm it's sealed. A small leak the size of about a 0.040-inch hole will set this code. By far the most common and cheapest cause is a loose, damaged, or missing gas cap, so that's the first thing to check, though any cracked hose or worn seal in the system can also trigger it. On Nissan specifically, this code is documented across 4 models.
What causes P0442 on Nissan vehicles?▼
Common causes on Nissan: Loose, damaged, or missing fuel filler cap, Worn or cracked gas cap seal, Cracked or disconnected EVAP hose or line, Faulty purge valve or vent valve, Damaged O-ring or seal at the fuel tank or filler neck. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0442 on a Nissan?▼
Repair costs on Nissan range from $100 to $1,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Nissan models have P0442 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0442 on 4 Nissan models: Frontier, Quest, Rogue, Sentra.