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P0456 on FORD FOCUS

EVAP System Leak Detected (very small leak)

NHTSA Reports
29
Severity
Medium
Most Affected
2018, 2013, 2012
Crashes / Fires
0 / 0
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database · SAE J2012

What P0456 Means on Your FORD FOCUS

P0456 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: EVAP System Leak Detected (very small leak). This code relates to the emission controls system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

29 FORD FOCUS owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2012-2018. Most reports come from the 2018, 2013 model years.

Real FORD FOCUS Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"Vehicle has difficulty starting after refuel. Vehicle stalls randomly to the point that is too much of a danger to drive. All of the symptoms correlate to recall (18S32) yet this particular vehicles vin was not listed in the list of recalled vehicles. The DTC's are as follows,P0420, P0456, P1450."

— 2012 FORD FOCUS owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 01/17/2025

"Took my vehicle in for the recall on the door latches and they said everything was good and when l check the vin on the nhtsa it states that recall incomplete."

— 2012 FORD FOCUS owner · STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 09/06/2020

"My wife bought this vehicle in june 2020, she has been having fuel system engine light codes coming on p0456 and p1450 l know there was a recall in relation to this and l understand the previous vehicle owner had the recall done on june 14, 2019 a year ago, i called ford customer care and they are"

— 2012 FORD FOCUS owner · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 06/24/2020

"Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford focus. when the contact attempted to drive the vehicle, the check engine warning indicator remained illuminated. the vehicle was taken to hawkeye ford (2027 us-34, red oak, ia 51566) where it was diagnosed with failure codes p144a and p0456."

— 2012 FORD FOCUS owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 02/11/2018

"I was driving and the car kept turning of. it happened when i was stopped at a light and multiple times when i was driving. it doesn't shutter and stall, it just shuts off. engine light came on with p1450 and p0456. it is evidently a known issue."

— 2012 FORD FOCUS owner · ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 02/02/2018

All reports filed by vehicle owners directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

5
'12
6
'13
3
'14
1
'16
3
'17
11
'18

Common Causes on FORD FOCUS

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 31%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 24.1%
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN or OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3.4%
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 3.4%
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3.4%

What To Do Next

  1. 1
    Check for recalls on YOUR VIN

    Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your VIN. If your vehicle is covered, repairs are free.

  2. 2
    Get a proper diagnosis

    A code alone doesn't tell you the exact failed part. A diagnostic at a shop ($50–$150) pinpoints the root cause before you spend money on parts.

  3. 3
    Compare repair quotes

    Get 2–3 quotes. Dealer vs. independent shop prices often differ 30–50% for the same repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does P0456 mean on a FORD FOCUS?
P0456 indicates: EVAP System Leak Detected (very small leak). This is a emission controls code. 29 FORD FOCUS owners have reported this to NHTSA.
What are the most common causes of P0456 on FORD FOCUS?
Based on 29 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel/Propulsion System, Structure,Unknown Or Other,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.
Is P0456 serious on my FORD FOCUS?
Of 29 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD FOCUS, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
What should I do if my FORD FOCUS shows P0456?
1) Check for recalls on your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2) Get a professional diagnosis — a code alone doesn't identify the exact failed part. 3) Get 2-3 repair estimates to compare.

P0456 on Other Vehicles