P0455 on 2007-2014 Nissan Versa: EVAP Gross Leak Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2007-2014 Nissan VERSA

On many Nissan vehicles from this era, including the Versa, the EVAP system components are known for specific failure patterns. The EVAP vent control valve, located under the car near the rear passenger-side wheel and exposed to the elements, is a particularly common failure point that leads to a P0455 code. It often gets stuck open due to dirt and corrosion. Nissan has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), such as NTB09020F and NTB13-097J, that acknowledge EVAP leak codes and provide a diagnostic flow chart that begins with checking the gas cap, highlighting how common this simple issue is.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Generation note: The 2007-2014 range covers the first generation (C11; 2007-2012) and the start of the second generation (N17 sedan; 2012-2014). While the function of EVAP components is the same, their physical location and part numbers may differ. For example, the EVAP canister on the C11 is often near the driver's side rear wheel, while on the N17 it's under the right rear. Always verify parts for your specific model year.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• A faint smell of gasoline, especially around the rear of the car or after refueling.
• Failing a state emissions inspection
• A "Loose Fuel Cap" warning message on the instrument cluster, if equipped.
• Difficulty filling the fuel tank (nozzle clicks off repeatedly), which can sometimes be linked to a stuck vent valve.

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose, Worn, or Incorrect Fuel Cap 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Tank Cap The gas cap is a frequently used part and its seal can wear out over time. It's the most common and simplest cause for any EVAP leak code. Many owners on forums report fixing the code simply by replacing an old, worn cap with a new OEM one.
   How to confirm: Ensure the cap is tightened until it clicks at least three times. Inspect the cap's rubber seal for cracks, stiffness, or damage. An incorrect, non-OEM cap can also cause sealing issues. Clean the cap and filler neck sealing surfaces before reinstalling.
   Typical fix: Tighten the cap. If the seal is visibly damaged or the cap is old, replace it with a new OEM or equivalent part. Aftermarket caps are sometimes reported to not seal as tightly as OEM.
   Est. part cost: $15-$35
2. Faulty EVAP Vent Control Valve (Canister Close Valve) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Vapor Canister Vent Valve This valve is located under the vehicle near the charcoal canister, exposing it to road grime, salt, and moisture. It's a very common failure point on Nissans, often getting stuck open and causing a large leak.
   How to confirm: Locate the valve on the EVAP canister at the rear of the car, typically behind a plastic cover on the passenger side. It can be tested by applying 12V power to its terminals; a working valve will make an audible click as it changes state (it is normally open and closes when powered). If it doesn't click or is stuck, it needs replacement.
   Typical fix: Replace the EVAP vent control valve. 🎬 Watch this step-by-step walkthrough for replacing the vent control valve. It is typically sold as a standalone part that twists into the canister. It's crucial to also replace the O-ring seal, as a worn O-ring can cause the code to return even with a new valve.
   Est. part cost: $50-$120
3. Faulty EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid/Valve 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Vapor Canister Located in the engine bay, this valve can get stuck open, creating a constant vacuum leak into the intake manifold which the system detects as a large leak. While less common than the vent valve for a P0455, it is still a frequent point of failure.
   How to confirm: Locate the valve in the engine bay. Disconnect the hose leading to the intake manifold and check for vacuum with the engine running; there should not be a constant vacuum at idle. The valve should be closed with the engine off.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge solenoid. 🎬 See how to test and replace the engine bay purge valve.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100
4. Cracked or Disconnected EVAP Hoses ⚪ Low Probability Rubber hoses can become brittle and crack over time due to age and heat cycles, especially in the engine bay or connections near the fuel tank. A P0455 is often a large, obvious disconnection.
   How to confirm: A visual inspection may reveal obvious cracks or disconnected lines. A common failure point is the connection between the vent valve and the canister. The most effective method is a smoke test, which forces low-pressure smoke into the EVAP system to reveal the exact location of any leaks.
   Typical fix: Replace the cracked section of hose or re-secure a loose connection with a new clamp.
   Est. part cost: $5-$25

Rare But Worth Checking

• Cracked Charcoal Canister: → Shop Vapor Canister The plastic canister itself can be cracked by road debris or become brittle with age, creating a large leak. This is often found during a smoke test if other components check out.
• Rusted or Damaged Fuel Filler Neck: → Shop Fuel Filler Neck In regions with heavy road salt use, the metal fuel filler neck can rust through, creating holes that prevent the gas cap from creating a proper seal.
• Bad O-ring on EVAP Vent Control Valve: → Shop Vapor Canister Vent Valve Sometimes the vent valve itself is functional, but the rubber O-ring that seals it to the canister has failed. Nissan TSB NTB17-082E specifically addresses a P0456 (small leak) caused by this O-ring on other models, but a completely failed O-ring could cause a P0455.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0455 is present. Record any other codes.
2. Inspect the gas cap. Ensure it is tight and the seal is not cracked or worn. Tighten it until it clicks multiple times. Consider replacing it with an OEM cap if it's old, as it's a cheap and common fix.
3. Clear the code with the scanner. Drive the vehicle for a few days (a full drive cycle is needed for the EVAP monitor to run). If the code does not return, the issue was the loose cap.
4. If the code returns, perform a visual inspection of the EVAP system. Look under the rear of the car (passenger side) for the charcoal canister and vent control valve. Check for obvious cracks, damage, or disconnected hoses.
5. Test the EVAP vent control valve. It is normally open and should click closed when 12V is applied. If it's stuck open or does not operate, it is faulty. When replacing, always use a new O-ring.
6. Inspect the EVAP purge valve in the engine bay. It should be closed when the engine is off. Check for vacuum on the intake side hose at idle; there should be none.
7. If the leak source is still not obvious, perform a smoke test. This involves injecting smoke into the EVAP system's service port to visually identify where the leak is coming from. This is the most definitive way to find leaks in hoses, the canister, or the fuel filler neck.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Cap (OEM #17251-1F20A (Verify by VIN)) — This is the most common and simplest fix. The seal wears out, causing a large leak. Using an OEM cap is often recommended for a reliable seal.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Stant, Gates
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25
• EVAP Vent Control Valve (OEM #14935-JF00A (Supersedes older numbers)) — A very common failure on Nissans of this era. The valve gets stuck open due to its exposure under the car, causing a gross leak code.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Dorman (P/N: 911-503), Hitachi, Standard Motor Products (P/N: CVS67)
  OEM price range: $90-$140
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100
• EVAP Canister Purge Valve (OEM #14930-EN20A (Verify by VIN)) — Less common than the vent valve for a gross leak, but can get stuck open and cause this code.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Dorman, Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $80-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0442 — This code indicates a small EVAP leak. A component may be intermittently failing or a seal may be starting to degrade, causing the computer to detect different leak sizes at different times.
• P0456 — This code indicates a very small EVAP leak. It's common to see this code appear alongside or before a P0455 as a component begins to fail and the leak worsens over time.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-097J: EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION
• NTB13-097g: 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.
• NTB13-097D: ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for EVAP leak codes like P0455. Bulletin NTB09020F specifically mentions that a loose fuel fill cap may be the cause for 2007-2011 models. Bulletins like NTB13-097g provide a standardized diagnostic flowchart for all 2012 and newer Nissans, starting with the fuel cap.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• 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.
• EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid Resistance — expected: Generally between 20 and 50 ohms. Failure: An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a reading far outside the expected range indicates a bad coil.
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Power Supply — expected: Battery voltage (more than 11V) should be present at terminal 1 of the valve's connector with the ignition switch ON.. Failure: No voltage indicates an open circuit or short in the power supply harness.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III: ACTIVE TEST > VENT CONTROL/V — This function allows a technician to command the EVAP canister vent control valve ON and OFF to check for the audible click of the solenoid operating, confirming if the valve is responding to commands from the ECM.
• Nissan CONSULT or equivalent professional scan tool: EVAP System Leak Check — This is a guided diagnostic function that automatically closes the vent valve, commands the purge valve, and monitors the fuel tank pressure sensor to check for a leak, helping to confirm the P0455 condition without a smoke machine initially.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Connector — On the EVAP canister, located under the rear of the vehicle, often behind a protective plastic cover near the passenger side wheel.. This connector provides power and ground to the vent valve. Terminal 1 is the power supply from a fuse, and Terminal 2 is the ground signal from the ECM (Terminal 28 on the ECM connector for a 2011 Versa). Checking for power at Terminal 1 is a key step in diagnosing an unresponsive valve.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube user 'MY CHOICE / NOW, WHATS YOURS?' (2009 Nissan Versa) — Check Engine Light with code P0455 returned after a previous repair.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The user had previously replaced the EVAP vent control valve, but the code came back.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The plastic clip holding the vent valve into the charcoal canister had broken, causing a poor seal. The user secured the valve tightly to the canister using a zip tie, which created a proper seal and resolved the leak code.
• YouTube user 'Blaine Nojiri' (Nissan (model not specified, but common Nissan issue)) — Failed smog inspection due to P0455 (EVAP system large leak).
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis pointed towards a large leak, with the vent valve being a prime suspect.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The EVAP vent control valve (solenoid) was getting stuck open and not actuating properly. Replacing the valve with a new one, which audibly clicked when tested, fixed the problem and allowed the car to pass the smog test.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While replacing the EVAP vent control valve is a very common fix, some owners have found the code returns. In one documented case for a 2009 Versa, the valve itself was fine, but the small plastic clip that secures the valve to the canister had broken. This prevented a proper seal, causing the large leak code to persist. The final, successful repair was to use a zip tie to tightly secure the valve into the canister, which resolved the P0455 code without needing another new part.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14935-JF00A → 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF00D, 14935-JF00E, and finally 14935-JF02C — Likely revisions to improve durability and prevent the valve from sticking, which is the common failure mode.
  Heads up: The newer part numbers are generally direct replacements for the older ones. It is always recommended to use the latest available part number for the repair.