P0456 on FORD MUSTANG — EVAP System Leak Detected (very small leak)

Q: "What does P0456 mean on a FORD MUSTANG?"

"P0456 indicates: EVAP System Leak Detected (very small leak). This is a emission controls code. 5 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0456 on FORD MUSTANG?"

"Based on 5 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Seat Belts,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0456 serious on my FORD MUSTANG?"

"Of 5 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD MUSTANG, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my FORD MUSTANG 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."

What P0456 Means on Your FORD MUSTANG

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.

5 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2006-2016. Most reports come from the 2015, 2006 model years. The most commonly reported component is Fuel/Propulsion System (60.0% of reports).

Real FORD MUSTANG Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"2006 mustang gt- fuel sender needs replacement. trouble code p0456 comes up. the fuel pump on vehicles built before january 1st, 2006 had an oversized orifice and would cause a leak in the evaporative system."

— 2006 FORD MUSTANG owner · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE · Filed 04/07/2010

"I was parked when i turn on the car and saw the engine light came up. the car is about 68000 miles and it's having a higher gas consumption and the engine light code ' p0456' evaporative emission system leak. and passenger from seat belt broke. the part that holds the seat belt in place."

— 2013 FORD MUSTANG owner · SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 08/31/2020

"With only 32,885 miles, engine light came on due to (P0456) EVAP small leak. Went to an auto shop and Ford dealer for diagnostic scan."

— 2015 FORD MUSTANG owner · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 11/07/2025

"I recently bought the car to a close friend and as he already states to me before to buy a car there is a check engine light active, i went to a shop to find out what is wrong and the code alarm is p0456, small evaporators leak."

— 2015 FORD MUSTANG owner · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 01/15/2019

"I have had my 2016 mustang for 5 years already with 29k miles , my warrantee has expired. I recently notice I had check engine light for P0456 Evaporative Emission Leak."

— 2016 FORD MUSTANG owner · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM · Filed 08/28/2021

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'06

1

'13

2

'15

1

'16

Common Causes on FORD MUSTANG

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 60%

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 20%

SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20%

What To Do Next

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
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
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 MUSTANG? ▾

P0456 indicates: EVAP System Leak Detected (very small leak). This is a emission controls code. 5 FORD MUSTANG owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0456 on FORD MUSTANG? ▾

Based on 5 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Fuel/Propulsion System, Fuel System, Gasoline, Seat Belts,Fuel/Propulsion System. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0456 serious on my FORD MUSTANG? ▾

Of 5 NHTSA reports for this code on FORD MUSTANG, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my FORD MUSTANG 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.