Home/Ford/2007/P0442

2007 Ford P0442: What It Means & Is It Safe to Drive?

P0442 on the 2007 Ford: Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Small Leak). Here's what it means, what usually causes it, what repairs typically cost, and whether it's safe to keep driving.

PowertrainLow urgency

What this code means

The EVAP system has detected a small leak. Often caused by a loose or faulty gas cap or a small hose leak.

Common causes on the 2007 Ford

  • Loose, damaged, or wrong gas cap
  • Cracked or disconnected EVAP hose
  • Faulty purge or vent valve
  • Leaking charcoal canister

Symptoms

  • Check Engine Light
  • Often no driveability issues

Typical fixes

  • Tighten or replace gas cap
  • Smoke test EVAP system
  • Replace damaged hoses or valves

Repair cost range

For a 2007 Ford, repairs for P0442 typically fall between $15 and $300, depending on the root cause and labor rates in your area.

Known issues on Ford

Ford P0442 frequently points to a faulty gas cap, a cracked EVAP hose, or a leaking fuel filler neck. The fuel filler neck on F-150 is prone to rust-through in salt-belt climates, causing a small EVAP leak.

Most commonly affected models

F-150 2004–2014Explorer 2002–2010Focus 2005–2011

Is it safe to keep driving your 2007 Ford with this code?

For driving-safety guidance—how far you can go, when to tow, and what's urgent—see these checklists:

See all codes for your Ford

Looking for a different code, or want the full guide without the year filter?