P0442 on 2008-2015 Nissan Rogue: EVAP Small Leak Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2008-2015 Nissan ROGUE

On the Nissan Rogue, the P0442 code is a very common issue, often pointing to one of two main culprits: the gas cap or the EVAP vent control valve. Nissan has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to this and similar EVAP codes, acknowledging the frequency of the problem. Forum discussions among Rogue owners confirm that the vent control valve, located at the rear of the vehicle by the charcoal canister, is a frequent failure point. 🎬 Watch: How to find and fix this common small leak. The original valve is susceptible to getting stuck open from dirt and moisture exposure. Nissan has updated the part's design multiple times to improve reliability, with the original part number 14935-JF00A being superseded by several revisions (JF00B, JF00C, etc.).

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: The 2008-2015 year range covers two generations of the Nissan Rogue. The first generation (S35) ran from 2008-2013 and was also sold as the 'Rogue Select' for the 2014 and 2015 model years. The second generation (T32) was introduced in 2014. While the causes for P0442 are similar across both, the exact location and part numbers for components like the vent valve may differ slightly. The vent valve for the first generation is located on the canister itself, behind the rear passenger wheel. For the second generation (2014+), the vent valve is also located under the right rear of the vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• A faint fuel smell, particularly around the rear of the vehicle
• Failure to pass a state emissions inspection
• A 'Loose Fuel Cap' message may appear on the instrument cluster on 2012 and newer models.
• Difficulty starting the vehicle right after refueling (a less common symptom, often points to a stuck-open purge valve).

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap 🔴 High Probability This is the most common cause for any EVAP code on any vehicle. Nissan TSB NTB09020F and NTB13-097J specifically call out a loose or improperly installed fuel cap as a primary suspect for P0442. The rubber o-ring on the cap can crack and deteriorate over time, preventing a proper seal.
   How to confirm: Remove the gas cap and inspect the rubber seal for cracks, dirt, or damage. Reinstall it, ensuring it clicks several times. Clear the code and drive for a few days to see if it returns. Also, inspect the fuel filler neck's metal surface for rust or debris that could prevent a good seal.
   Typical fix: Tighten the cap or replace it with a new OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) cap if the seal is worn. Aftermarket caps are a common source of recurring EVAP codes due to improper sealing.
   Est. part cost: $15-$35
2. EVAP Vent Control Valve Failure 🔴 High Probability This valve is located under the rear of the car near the charcoal canister, exposing it to road debris, salt, and moisture. It is a well-documented failure point on many Nissan models, including the Rogue. The original part was prone to sticking open due to dirt and rust, leading to a redesigned replacement from Nissan.
   How to confirm: A mechanic can command the valve to open and close with a scan tool during a smoke test. A DIY method is to remove the valve and apply 12V power to its terminals to see if the solenoid clicks. The ultimate confirmation is a smoke test; if smoke exits the valve when it's commanded closed, it has failed.
   Typical fix: Replace the EVAP vent control valve. It is typically mounted on or next to the charcoal canister and is accessible from under the rear of the vehicle, often behind the passenger-side rear wheel. Some owners report the bolts holding the canister can be rusted and difficult to remove.
   Est. part cost: $60-$110
3. Cracked or Disconnected EVAP Hoses 🟡 Medium Probability Over time, the rubber and plastic hoses in the EVAP system can become brittle and crack, especially the small vacuum lines in the engine bay or the larger hoses near the canister. This is more common on older vehicles or those in harsh climates.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect all accessible EVAP hoses for obvious cracks, splits, or loose connections. Pay close attention to the small vacuum lines connected to the purge valve in the engine bay. A smoke test is the most effective way to find small, hard-to-see leaks.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged section of hose. Small vacuum lines can be replaced with bulk hose of the correct diameter.
   Est. part cost: $5-$25
4. Leaking EVAP Canister Purge Valve/Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability This valve is located in the engine bay and controls the flow of stored vapors to the engine. While less common to fail than the vent valve, it can get stuck open or leak internally, causing a P0442.
   How to confirm: With the engine off, disconnect the hose leading from the valve to the engine intake and try to blow through it. If air passes, the valve is stuck open and needs replacement. You can also test it by applying 12V power to see if it actuates.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge valve/solenoid. It is usually easily accessible on top of the engine.
   Est. part cost: $50-$150

Rare But Worth Checking

• Cracked Charcoal Canister: The plastic housing of the canister itself can develop cracks from age or impact from road debris, causing a leak. This is usually found with a smoke test.
• Rusted Fuel Filler Neck: In areas with heavy road salt use, the metal surface where the gas cap seals can rust and become pitted, preventing a proper seal even with a new cap. The surface may need to be cleaned with a wire brush or sanded smooth.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0442 is present.
2. Inspect the gas cap. Remove it, check the rubber seal for cracks or brittleness, and reinstall it, making sure it clicks multiple times. Also inspect the filler neck for rust. Clear the code and perform a drive cycle.
3. If the code returns, perform a visual inspection of all accessible EVAP hoses and lines under the hood and near the rear of the vehicle for obvious cracks or disconnections.
4. If no obvious damage is found, the next step is to perform a smoke test. This involves injecting pressurized smoke into the EVAP system's service port, typically near the purge valve in the engine bay.
5. With the system under smoke pressure, use a scan tool to command the vent valve (normally open) to close. Observe where the smoke escapes. Common leak points are the vent control valve (near the rear passenger wheel), the purge valve (engine bay), hose connections, or the gas cap seal.
6. Based on the location of the smoke, test the specific component. For the vent and purge valves, check for proper electrical operation (clicking when 12V is applied) and sealing.
7. Replace the part identified as the source of the leak. Always use OEM or high-quality aftermarket parts to prevent recurrence.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Cap (OEM #17251-1F30A (example, verify by VIN)) — This is the most common and easiest fix. The seal wears out over time, causing a small leak. Nissan specifically recommends using an OEM cap for a proper seal, as aftermarket caps are a frequent cause of repeat failures.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM)
  OEM price range: $20-$35
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (OEM #14935-JF00A (superseded by 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF02C, etc.)) — A very common failure point on the Rogue. It gets stuck open due to dirt or internal failure, causing a leak code. An updated part design from Nissan suggests a known issue with the original. This part is used across a wide range of Nissan vehicles.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Bosch, Dorman
  OEM price range: $60-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$80
• EVAP Canister Purge Valve (OEM #14930-JA10D (example for 2014 T32, verify by VIN)) — Less common than the vent valve, but can leak internally and cause a P0442 code. It's located in the engine bay and is relatively easy to replace.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Hitachi, Delphi
  OEM price range: $100-$200
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$90

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0455 — Indicates a large EVAP leak. This can appear if a component fails completely, such as the gas cap being left off or a major hose disconnection. Both codes are often addressed in the same TSBs.
• P0456 — Indicates a very small EVAP leak. These three codes (P0442, P0455, P0456) are often grouped in TSBs as they all point to leaks of different sizes within the same system.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-097J: EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION
• NTB13-097D: ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION
• NTB09020F: SERVICE INFORMATION If one or more of these EVAP leak DTCs are stored (P0442, P0455, P0456) on a 2007 through 2011 Nissan vehicle, a loose fuel fill cap may be the cause.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan TSB NTB09020F directly states that for 2007-2011 models, a loose fuel fill cap is a primary suspect for P0442.
• Nissan TSB NTB13-097J provides diagnostic procedures for EVAP leaks on 2012 and newer models, again highlighting the fuel cap as a potential cause.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Resistance — expected: 48 to 65 ohms. Failure: A reading outside this range indicates a faulty solenoid coil.
• EVAP Canister Purge Valve Resistance — expected: 30 to 38 ohms (when engine is cool). Failure: A reading outside this range indicates a faulty valve coil.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III plus (or equivalent bidirectional scanner): Active Test: 'Vent Control Valve' — This command manually closes the normally-open vent valve to seal the EVAP system for a smoke or pressure test. A technician can listen for the valve to click, which confirms the control circuit and solenoid are receiving the command.
• Nissan CONSULT-III plus (or equivalent bidirectional scanner): Active Test: 'Purge Volume Control' — This command manually opens and closes the normally-closed purge valve in the engine bay to test its mechanical and electrical function. It helps determine if the valve is stuck.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve — Under the right rear of the vehicle, mounted on or near the charcoal canister, often near the muffler.. This is the location of the most common failure point. The connector and wiring are exposed to road debris and moisture, which can cause corrosion and connection issues in addition to the valve itself failing.
• EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Solenoid Valve — In the engine bay. For the first generation (S35), it's typically on the right front side of the engine. For the second generation (T32), it's also in the engine bay, connected to the intake manifold.. Knowing its location in the engine bay is critical for diagnosis to differentiate it from the vent valve at the rear of the vehicle.
• ECM (Engine Control Module) — Located in the engine compartment, on the left side for the 2014 Rogue Select (S35).. The ECM is the source of the command signals for the purge and vent valves. Any wiring issues between the ECM and the valves can prevent them from operating correctly.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Ivan's Garage' (2010 Nissan Rogue) — Intermittent P0456 (very small leak) and P0442 (small leak), which eventually included a P0448 (vent control valve circuit) code.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis confirmed the codes.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The mechanic removed the EVAP vent control valve and found it was full of dust and rust, preventing the internal plunger from sealing completely even when commanded closed. Blowing compressed air through it and cleaning it out resolved the leak temporarily, confirming the valve itself was the mechanical failure point. The final fix was to replace the vent control valve.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14935-JF00A → 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-AM60B, etc. — The original EVAP vent control valve was prone to failure from dirt and moisture intrusion. Subsequent revisions aimed to improve durability and sealing.
  Heads up: While many revisions are interchangeable, it is always best to verify the correct part number for your specific vehicle's VIN. The part is widely used across many Nissan and Infiniti models from 2003 onwards.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2008-2013 (S35) vs. 2014-2015 (T32): The first generation (S35), also sold as the 'Rogue Select' in 2014-2015, and the second generation (T32) have different body styles and some component locations may vary slightly. However, the fundamental causes of P0442, particularly the failure of the gas cap and rear vent control valve, are consistent across both generations within this year range.