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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an evaporative emission control (EVAP) canister?
Where can I get my EVAP canister replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my EVAP canister?
What happens if I don’t replace my evaporative emission control canister?
What is an evaporative emission control canister?
Can I replace my EVAP canister myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace an evaporative emission control (EVAP) canister?

The average cost for an EVAP canister replacement is $440-$500+. We can break that price down into $350-$380 for replacement parts and $90-$115 for labor costs. But you’ll need to remember that those are estimates, and your actual repair cost will depend on your vehicle and your location.

How long does it take to replace an EVAP canister? The exact replacement time will depend on the car. But a trained technician should generally take between one and two hours to perform the service.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my EVAP canister replacement?

You should check your vehicle repair guide and

owner’s manual

for detailed information regarding the EVAP system. But here’s an overview of the parts you may require:

Evaporative emission control (EVAP) canister: The EVAP canister is the primary part you’re going to replace. It’s a small box containing an activated charcoal filter that collects the excess fuel vapors that build inside your fuel tank. A new one can range in price from around $100 to $300.

EVAP canister purge valve/solenoid: Depending on the damage, you may need to replace the purge valve when you replace the charcoal canister. A new purge solenoid should cost between $20 and $100.

EVAP canister vent valve/solenoid: You may have to replace the vent valve if the EVAP system is seriously damaged. A new one can cost $20 to $100.

EVAP hoses: If the EVAP canister hoses are cracked or otherwise damaged, you should replace them during your canister replacement. Hoses should cost between $10 and $50 each.

Top brands for EVAP canisters, valves, and hoses include Gates, Dorman, and ACDelco. You can purchase all these parts for your car from retailers such as AutoZone, Amazon, and RockAuto.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

For most automotive repair jobs, you should opt for original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts if possible, especially if you own a newer vehicle.

Your car’s manufacturer designs OEM parts specifically to fit your vehicle. While OEM parts tend to be pricey, they’re high quality, reliable, and come with a manufacturer’s warranty.

Aftermarket parts are cheaper but may be of lower quality. They’re easier to find at parts stores and are available in budget and premium options.

Where can I buy the parts for my EVAP canister replacement?

If you plan to purchase OEM parts, you’ll have to contact your dealership or an authorized parts retailer. Aftermarket parts are available from auto parts suppliers—like AutoZone or O'Reilly Auto Parts—and online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my EVAP canister replaced?

Finding the right auto repair shop can be challenging. Luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

can help you compare repair estimates and hourly rates from over 2,500 U.S. shops.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ shows you fair price estimates based on the actual hourly rates from local shops. Use it to learn about diagnostic charges, plan for vehicle maintenance, and find the shops in your area with the best customer reviews.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to search for repair services near you.

160 Reviews

Tiremax Total Car Care

619 Greensboro Rd, High Point, NC

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$115

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (336) 842-1099

156 Reviews

Otwell's Auto and Tire Care

7304 Indiana Ave # 1, Riverside, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$125

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (951) 688-2141

170 Reviews

North American Motors

20531 Mission Blvd, Oakland, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$150

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (510) 635-9191

149 Reviews

Discount Tire & Service Centers - Long Beach

3340 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$160

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (562) 294-5617

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my EVAP canister?

If you visit a mechanic for your EVAP canister replacement, these are the general steps they will follow:

Disconnect the car battery

Determine whether the EVAP canister is beneath the car near the fuel tank or in the engine bay (on most vehicles, it is near the fuel tank)

Lift the vehicle off the ground

Locate the canister and apply a layer of penetrating oil to its mounting bolts

Disconnect any electrical connections

Remove the hoses (there should be three hoses: one running to the fuel tank, one for the vent valve, and one for the purge valve)

Remove the mounting hardware

Remove the old EVAP canister

Position the new canister and install the mounting bolts

Reconnect the hoses

Reconnect the electrical connections

Lower the vehicle

Reconnect the battery

Start the engine and confirm the check engine light is not present

Take the car on a 10-mile test drive

What happens if I don’t replace my evaporative emission control canister?

If you don’t replace a faulty EVAP canister, you risk developing the following problems:

Increased emissions: If the EVAP canister can’t contain the gasoline vapors properly, your vehicle will begin releasing increased emissions. This can cause you to fail an emissions test and will harm the environment.

Check engine light (CEL): If your CEL turns on because of the EVAP canister and you ignore it, you may not realize your car has other issues until it’s too late.

Reduced fuel efficiency: A faulty EVAP canister can affect your engine’s air/fuel mixture. This can cause your fuel economy to plummet.

Poor engine performance: A bad EVAP canister can cause performance issues, like a rough idle and difficulty accelerating.

Safety issues: A faulty EVAP canister can lead to an EVAP leak, allowing fuel vapors to enter your car’s cabin. This is unsafe for you and your passengers and can lead to health problems.

Legal issues: Depending on where you live, you may face legal consequences for driving without a functional EVAP system.

What is an evaporative emission control canister?

An evaporative emission control canister—also known as a vapor canister, charcoal canister, or EVAP canister—is an emissions control device designed to capture the fuel vapors that build inside your fuel tank.

The canister is part of the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. It connects to your fuel tank and collects excess gas vapors. The canister’s charcoal filter converts the vapors into hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide.

The hydrocarbons flow through the purge valve into the intake manifold, where they combine with the air/fuel mixture before burning up during the combustion process. The carbon dioxide exits the EVAP canister through the vent valve and flows into the outside environment.

The EVAP system not only reduces the amount of harmful pollutants your car releases, but also improves fuel economy and engine efficiency.

When should I replace the EVAP canister on my car?

Because there is no set replacement schedule for the EVAP canister, you’ll only need to replace yours when it fails. These are the most common symptoms of a bad charcoal canister:

Check engine light (CEL): When your car’s engine control module (ECM) detects a problem with the EVAP system, it will most likely illuminate the CEL. Remember, though, that this light can appear for many reasons. To diagnose the trouble code, you’ll need to use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scan tool.

Fuel odor: A faulty EVAP canister can allow fuel vapors to leak into the air. If you smell a strong fuel odor near or in your vehicle, it could be a sign that you need a new EVAP canister.

Performance issues: A bad EVAP canister can negatively affect your engine’s air/fuel mixture. This can lead to a variety of performance issues, including reduced fuel economy, a rough idle, difficulty starting, and engine surging.

Failed emissions test: If your EVAP canister is bad, you’ll most likely fail an emissions test. Depending on where you live, this can render your car illegal to drive.

Collapsed fuel tank: When the EVAP system has a severe failure, it can cause the gas tank to collapse or leak. You’ll likely notice a whooshing sound when you remove your gas cap if there’s an issue with the vapor venting process.

Keep in mind: These issues can be indicative of other issues with the air intake or fuel systems, like a faulty fuel pump or clogged air filter. It’s always best to visit a certified mechanic to get an accurate diagnosis.

How often should I replace my evaporative emission control canister?

There is no set replacement interval for the EVAP canister. In fact, it’s common for the canister to last for the life of the vehicle. That said, they can and do fail over time.

You should replace your EVAP canister if you see signs of its failure, including a check engine light, a strong fuel odor, or a collapsed gas tank.

Can I replace my EVAP canister myself?

An EVAP canister replacement is a mid-level repair job. It can make a great DIY project for moderately-experienced home mechanics, but novices may struggle.

If you have access to the proper tools and are confident in your abilities, you shouldn’t have any trouble completing the project at home. But if you’re uncomfortable working with the evaporative emission control system or don’t have the correct tools, you should contact a professional mechanic.

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FAQs

Is it safe to drive with a bad EVAP canister?

You should not drive with a bad EVAP canister if you can avoid doing so. A faulty vapor canister can lead to increased emissions, which are harmful to the environment. It can also contribute to premature engine damage. Additionally, a bad canister can cause vapor leaks, which can negatively affect your health and the health of your passengers.

What causes EVAP canister failure?

A variety of issues can lead to EVAP canister failure, including:

Poor quality fuel

Contaminants

Rust and corrosion

Physical damage

Malfunctioning purge valve

Bad fueling habits

Improper repairs

Age and wear

Does EVAP affect gas mileage?

Yes, the EVAP system contributes to increased fuel efficiency by recycling excess fuel vapors. If the system fails, those vapors may escape into the atmosphere. Not only is this bad for the environment, but it will also cause your gas mileage to drop and may result in engine performance problems.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.