P0455 on Volkswagen: Causes, Symptoms and Fix Cost
Quick Answer
Safe to drive (short-term)
P0455 on a Volkswagen means the engine control unit has detected a large leak in the evaporative emission system. This is a more significant leak than P0442, often caused by a missing fuel cap, a completely disconnected EVAP hose, or a cracked charcoal canister. The large leak size usually makes it easier to find.
- Severity
- Moderate · EVAP System
- Typical repair cost, all makes
- €10-€480
Connect a standard OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth LE on iPhone) to your Volkswagen and Skanyx tells you what P0455 means on that engine, whether it is safe to keep driving, and what the fix should cost. Free on iPhone and Android.
Get Skanyx freeWhat does P0455 mean on a Volkswagen?
The Quick Answer above is the generic definition. What follows is the model-specific detail for the Volkswagen models that log P0455.
Volkswagen Polo
2005-2024
The Polo shares many EVAP components with the VW Golf. The N80 purge valve is a common failure point. On the 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI, the EVAP lines near the fuel tank can become brittle in cold climates, leading to cracks that produce large leaks.
What causes P0455 on a Volkswagen?
Beyond the generic causes listed on the main P0455 page, these are the patterns noted for Volkswagen models:
N80 purge valve failure
: Volkswagen Polo
Brittle EVAP hoses near the fuel tank on TSI models
: Volkswagen Polo
How to diagnose P0455 on a Volkswagen with OBD2
- Check the fuel cap immediately. If it is missing, loose, or the seal is visibly cracked, replace it, clear the code, and monitor over several drive cycles
- With the fuel cap confirmed good, perform a visual inspection of all EVAP hoses. Follow the lines from the fuel tank to the charcoal canister and from the canister to the engine. A large leak is often visible as a completely disconnected or split hose
- Perform a smoke test on the EVAP system. A large leak will produce a visible plume of smoke, making the source easy to locate
- Inspect the charcoal canister for cracks, particularly on the plastic housing and at the hose connection points
- If no external leak is found, test the purge valve and vent valve, either by commanding them with manufacturer-level software (a generic OBD2 reader cannot run these actuator tests) or off the car with 12 V. A vent valve stuck open during the EVAP test will register as a large leak
How much does P0455 cost to fix on a Volkswagen? (EUR)
Estimated repair costs for P0455 in EUR, compiled across makes. Volkswagen costs typically sit in the middle of each range.
| Repair | Parts Cost | Labor Cost | Total Estimate | DIY Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace or re-seat fuel cap | €10–€40 | €0–€0 | €10–€40 | Easy |
| Replace disconnected or split EVAP hose | €10–€50 | €30–€120 | €40–€170 | Easy |
| Replace charcoal canister | €60–€280 | €60–€200 | €120–€480 | Moderate |
| Replace vent valve or purge valve | €20–€100 | €30–€120 | €50–€220 | Moderate |
Prices estimated as of October 2026. Costs vary by region, vehicle, and shop.
Codes related to P0455
These codes are often seen alongside P0455 or point to related issues, on any make:
Looking for the full P0455 reference (all makes, full diagnosis flow, complete repair cost matrix)? See the main P0455 guide