P0496: EVAP System High Purge Flow

A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.

Fix at convenience

Yes - possible hard starts after refueling until fixed.

$100 - $300

typical repair range

NHTSA complaints mention this code

66,222

median mileage when reported, mi

Symptoms

Long cranking right after filling the tank
Rough idle after refueling
Check engine light

Likely causes, most common first

Purge valve stuck open, siphoning vapors constantly
EVAP plumbing routing fault

Read P0496 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

P0496 means the EVAP system shows flow when it should be sealed - typically a purge valve that no longer closes. The engine breathes tank vapors continuously, and after refueling that mixture floods in and makes starting labored.

GM four-cylinders of the 2010s made this a household code. The valve is cheap and the repair is quick; ignoring it eventually stresses the EVAP pump on cars that have one.

Repair options and cost

Purge valve$100 - $300

Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.

Owner reports mentioning P0496

“Code : P0496 Evap omission system high purge flow code Not clear what has caused issue but car is never over filled with fuel When car is fueled and turned back on sputters and struggles to run properly It often needs to be turned off and turned back on Have been told this is a common issue with the make and model of the car”2015 Chevrolet Traverse · Apr 2026

“After fueling, codes P0496 will show and car will not start or struggle to start. Stalling when on freeway and rough idle. My vehicle shut off on the freeway causing me to almost crash and had to stop immediatly. In my investigation, it seems I am not the only one suffering this issue. I am on my 2nd engine replacement from the original recall as well.”2018 Ford Ecosport · Feb 2026

“Vehicle has active alerts for powertrain control module, and low boost pressure with the turbocharge along with emissions codes P0299, P0496 and P0456. The vehicle is constantly going into deep sleep mode. While driving the vehicle started to enter safe mode. And displayed an alert that said please turn ignition on. The dash and screen went black like vehicle was off but it was still running. This happened multiple times. My vehicle also will not start after pumping gas so I have to leave vehicle running every time I pump gas. My vehicle will not pass NY state inspection because of the recalls.”2020 Ford Escape · Aug 2025

Show 7 more owner reports

“There is hesitation when coming from a stop to accelerating there is a delay of power. This problem has been going on since we have had the car. It is safety issue especially when we accelerate to get onto the highway. It is very inconsistent. We recently took it in and found that an error code of P0496 the evaporator purge valve to be a problem. Not sure if this is a problem with other Fords like ours. So I thought you could investigate it for me. Thank you.”2020 Ford Explorer · Jul 2025

“Check engine light was on due to the EVAP Purge Solenoid not sealing properly and causing a leak. Scan testing performed of the engine control module and diagnosed/cleared DTC P0496-00. Vehicle was brought to a dealership for repair.”2018 Buick Enclave · May 2025

“Two separate instances where this vehicle (2019 Ford Edge Titanium) completely shut down. The first, unfortunately, was in traffic while navigating a rotary. The second less intense event was in while parking. Eventually, the vehicle did restart and we were able to get it home. This looks to be an extension of a problem Ford thought was fixed -- related to the cannister purge valve (front) remaining stuck open. I say this because a cheap scanner tool revealed code P0496, and we experienced one of the primary symptoms (rough start after filling gas tank).”2019 Ford Edge · Aug 2024

“2019 Ford Escape Titanium Eco Boost 2.0 w/ 86,442 miles. Regularly maintained, no accidents, no previous owners. DTC for misfire cylinder #1. Performed coolant pressure test, found system losing pressure and cylinder intrusion, with matching symptoms, recommend further diagnostics. Check engine light diagnostic testing resulted in P0496. Removed and replaced EVAP purge control solenoid. After a few days new check engine light diagnostic testing resulting in P0302 cylinders misfire. Mechanic's diagnostics found coolant leak within engine. Dealership stated we would need a new engine for $9,100. Continued operation will result in overheating.”2019 Ford Escape · Apr 2024

“When getting gas..afterwards went to start and it would act like it wasn't getting gas..within hours after the check engine light came on..took to dealer to read trouble code..came up as a p0496..evap purge valve sticking open..also have noticed the built in remote start function is not working and will sound horn briefly instead..also looked up code my self and understand that it is a emissions safety issue being that it is evap purge valve..and have scheduled a appointment with dealer to have it fixed..due to the fact I have a extended service warranty on it..”2019 Ford Escape · Nov 2023

“I went to shell and got Gas on september 7th and september 8th when i started. My traverse it started shaking like it was cold then the check engine light came on i went to autozone it read a p0496 code forevap system flow during non purge”2018 Chevrolet Traverse · Sep 2023

“Purchased vehicle in october of 2019, in february 2020 had engine light come on and the code p0496 which is a purge valve error and took to service and they stated that ford had to have this happen twice, so on march 17, 2020, it happened again and was taken to service again and it was replaced. Almost 1 year later, on february 27,2021 the check engine light came on and was taken back to service on march 2 and was replaced again. No recalls on this vehicle , but there should be. This should have happened on a new vehicle nor should it continue to happen! It is now on its 3 rd purge valve!!!”2019 Ford Escape · Feb 2021

Cars that report P0496 most often

Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with P0496?

Yes - possible hard starts after refueling until fixed.

How much does it cost to fix P0496?

Typical US repair costs range from $100 for the simplest fix (purge valve) to $300 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.