Posted on 2/27/2026
An exhaust leak seems like it should only make noise, but it can quietly hurt fuel economy too. Modern engines depend on accurate exhaust readings to manage fuel delivery, and a leak can throw those readings off. Sometimes the engine starts adding extra fuel to compensate for a problem that is not actually inside the engine. Other times, the car loses a bit of power, and you end up pressing the pedal harder without realizing it. What Counts As An Exhaust Leak An exhaust leak is any spot where exhaust gases can escape before they are supposed to. It can be a cracked pipe, a failed gasket, a loose flange, a damaged flex section, or even a rust hole. Some leaks are obvious because the car gets louder, but others are subtle and only show up under load or when the system is cold. Leaks also change how exhaust flows through the system. That matters because the engine and emissions equipment are designed around a sealed path from the engine to the tailpipe. When that path ... read more