Exhaust Smell Inside The Car
Exhaust fumes inside the car are dangerous because they can contain carbon monoxide, which you cannot smell. Common causes are exhaust leaks and gaps in the body or tailgate seals.
Critical risk
Open the windows, stop as soon as it is safe and do not keep driving until the cause is found.
Short answer · What should I do if I smell exhaust inside the car?
Open the windows and switch ventilation to fresh air, then stop as soon as it is safe. Carbon monoxide is odourless, so the smell you notice can come with gas you cannot detect. Headaches, drowsiness or nausea are warning signs. Do not use the car until a workshop has found the leak.
Safe checks you can do
- Ventilate and stopOpen the windows and get out of the car when safe.Headache, dizziness or drowsiness are warning signs of carbon monoxide.
- Check the tailgate sealA damaged seal can draw fumes in, especially on hatchbacks and estates.
- Listen for exhaust leaksA louder exhaust points to a hole.
Questions that narrow it down
- Is it worse with the tailgate or windows open?Fumes are being drawn back into the car.
- Is the exhaust louder?A leak under the car.
- Is it worse in traffic?Possibly fumes from other cars; use recirculation.
Possible causes
Listed without ranking. Use the questions above to see which ones fit your car.
- Exhaust leak under the carHoles or broken joints.
- Damaged body or tailgate sealLets fumes in at the rear.
- Gaps in the floorRust or missing grommets.
- Fumes from trafficNot a fault of the car.
Questions about Exhaust Smell Inside The Car
Can carbon monoxide kill?
Yes. It is odourless and can cause unconsciousness, which is why exhaust in the cabin must be taken seriously.
Should I fit a CO detector?
A portable carbon monoxide detector can add a warning, but the leak still needs to be fixed.