P0446: EVAP System Vent Control Circuit
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes - emissions-only, no drivability impact.
Symptoms
- Check engine light
- Occasionally: slow refueling or clicking from the rear
Likely causes, most common first
- EVAP vent valve stuck or blocked
- Spider nests and debris in the vent hose (genuinely common)
- Wiring to the vent solenoid
Read P0446 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0446 points at the vent side of the EVAP system - the passage that lets fresh air in so vapors can be purged. Blocked or stuck, the system cannot breathe and its self-tests fail.
The vent valve typically lives near the fuel tank, exposed to road grime and insect ambition; several manufacturers even added filters after years of spider-related warranty claims. An unhurried, inexpensive repair in almost all cases.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0446
“Loss in fuel tank pressure. Structural stressing causing leaks at tank, fuel pump module connector and fuel supply hose. Dtc codes p0446 / p0451. Evap leak located in top tank port and associated direct connection secondary cracking of the plastic fuel supply line at tank top. Tank cracked at port. Cracking due to stress from normal driving vibrations as these ares are protected from road hazards.resulting gas leak will cover tank and metal shroud. Fire hazard from leaking gas.”2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 · Oct 2020 · 73,000 mi
“P0446- evaporate system vent control circuit I was driving normally like any other day when I noticed the "check engine light" turned on. I went to a mechanic they told me that the vapor canistor had an issue but that, thats completely the car manufactures problem because the part# vc4079 is under lifetime warranty so it shouldn't be damaged.”2003 Toyota Corolla · Mar 2019 · 168,000 mi
“Fuel leaking from gas tank area and showing p0446 code. There is an existing recall for this issue for this model in my model year range but my VIN is not included within the recall. I feel my issue should be covered by the recall.”2008 Pontiac G6 · Jan 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Receiving codes p0440 and p0446, vehicle has 118244 miles currently. Bought car brand new. Check engine light came on with a slight smell of fumes, while driving. Replaced fuel cap first per autoparts store diagnostics and had codes cleared. Check engine light and smell reappeared. A week later replaced fuel filler pipe and vent hoses. Symptoms returned, sames codes registering. Had codes cleared but light returns. Have read that certain types of the same models and year vehicles have been recalled for ecm replacements, if this is the issue, I would like to be notified as soon as possible as no one else seems to be able to solve this mystery.”2003 Toyota Corolla · Dec 2018 · 117,300 mi
“There is a crack in the fuel line above the fuel pump on top of the gas tank. There is a distinct gas smell from the car and obd code p0446. This is a hazard to my health. There is an obvious fuel leak. This is not the first time I have heard of this on a gm car.”2008 Pontiac G6 · Jun 2018
“My 2004 kia sorento has an intermittent check engine light that displays error code p0446. The light comes on and off as it pleases. There is a tsb for this particular problem, but there are no details. This intermittent light is causing my vehicle to fail it's smog inspection. I have replaced the gas cap as indicated but this did not fix the problem. *tr”2004 Kia Sorento · Dec 2014 · 160,000 mi
“I took the car to the shop and found out the car has recall. Evap system diagnosis: p0441/p0446 on all models. When driving down the road while giving the car gas you can feel it jerking like its not getting gas and when the car stops it cuts off. So when I took it to the shop they say its a recall now I am wondering if toyota is going to fix this problem because the piece is very expensive and I need my vehicle to run properly. *tr”1998 Toyota Camry · Feb 2014 · 172,637 mi
“"check engine" light came on. Fault code p0446. Gas tank hisses loudly when I undo the gas cap. Loud popping sound (like pressure releasing from a plastic bottle when air is sucked out and then air is allowed to re-enter),from under the car. I am concerned that my gas tank could rupture, leak or explode and catch fire. *tr”2008 Saturn Vue · Jan 2010 · 40,000 mi
“Tl*the contact owns a 2003 saturn vue. The contact noticed that the engine warning indicator would consistently illuminate on the instrument panel. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they replaced the fuel cap. Two months after the repair, she noticed that the fuel nozzle shut off intermittently or prematurely while filling the vehicle and/or ses lamp with dtc p0446 evap vent system performance set. The dealer stated that it would cost $1,000 to have the vehicle repaired according to tsb number 10017570. The vehicle has not been repaired due to the expense. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was 41,000 and current mileage was 42,000.”2003 Saturn Vue · Aug 2008 · 41,000 mi
“My 2001 toyota corolla le with about 68,000 miles, my check engine light came on. I had my mechanic run the obd code, which returned the code of p0446 (evaporative emission control system vent control circuit). My mechanic determined the problem was with the charcoal cannister system that controls the emissions of the corolla. When I was reading on here I found several people who have the same problem and I want this resolved to no expense to me. I don't have the money it will take to fix this problem. *tr”2001 Toyota Corolla · Apr 2006 · 68,000 mi
Cars that report P0446 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0446?
Yes - emissions-only, no drivability impact.
How much does it cost to fix P0446?
Typical US repair costs range from $60 for the simplest fix (vent hose cleaning) to $400 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.