P0497 on HONDA CIVIC — EVAP System Low Purge Flow

Q: "What does P0497 mean on a HONDA CIVIC?"

"P0497 indicates: EVAP System Low Purge Flow. This is a emission controls code. 2 HONDA CIVIC owners have reported this to NHTSA."

Q: "What are the most common causes of P0497 on HONDA CIVIC?"

"Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints."

Q: "Is P0497 serious on my HONDA CIVIC?"

"Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA CIVIC, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic."

Q: "What should I do if my HONDA CIVIC shows P0497?"

"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 P0497 Means on Your HONDA CIVIC

P0497 is a diagnostic trouble code indicating: EVAP System Low Purge Flow. This code relates to the emission controls system. The vehicle's computer detected a condition outside normal operating parameters and stored this code.

2 HONDA CIVIC owners have reported this issue to NHTSA across model years 2012-2013. Most reports come from the 2012, 2013 model years. The most commonly reported component is Engine (100.0% of reports).

Real HONDA CIVIC Owner Reports

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

"So on 11/6/19 Silko Honda Raynham, MA worked on my car for recall {campaign recall 19-106 6bd00- 2012 civic cold emissions gas reduction) So ever since this update on my computer I had non stop tightening gas cap which has been replaced with dealer cap did not work, and when the gas cap light goes o"

— 2012 HONDA CIVIC owner · ENGINE · Filed 11/06/2019

"Evap system light also comes on at lower temperatures, and sporadically at warmer temperatures. It used to happen only once every couple of weeks, but now it comes on (and eventually turns off again) every day."

— 2013 HONDA CIVIC owner · ENGINE · Filed 03/01/2024

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

📊 Complaint Trend by Model Year

1

'12

1

'13

Common Causes on HONDA CIVIC

Based on NHTSA complaint component analysis for this vehicle.

ENGINE 100%

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 P0497 mean on a HONDA CIVIC? ▾

P0497 indicates: EVAP System Low Purge Flow. This is a emission controls code. 2 HONDA CIVIC owners have reported this to NHTSA.

What are the most common causes of P0497 on HONDA CIVIC? ▾

Based on 2 NHTSA reports, the most commonly cited components are: Engine. These percentages are based on the component field in owner complaints.

Is P0497 serious on my HONDA CIVIC? ▾

Of 2 NHTSA reports for this code on HONDA CIVIC, none involved a crash or fire. However, any diagnostic code should be evaluated by a qualified mechanic.

What should I do if my HONDA CIVIC shows P0497? ▾

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.

P0497 on Other Vehicles

→ All codes reported on HONDA CIVIC