Can an Exhaust Leak Cause Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious risk, and is linked with a number of things that burn fuel—cars, engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, and more. Each of these things can be used safely with minimal carbon monoxide risk, but sometimes, even when you’re doing everything right, something can go wrong. Indeed, defects like an exhaust leak in your car can lead to carbon monoxide building up in the cab, exposing the driver and passengers to considerable risk.

Why Do I Smell Exhaust Fumes?

Your car’s exhaust system is meant to neutralize the fumes from the engine. If you smell exhaust fumes from inside your car, this is a pretty solid indicator that something may be very wrong with your exhaust system or engine.

If you smell rotten egg, something sweet, or gasoline, that’s a sign that you should get your car in to be checked out as soon as you can. Eye irritation is another sign that something might be wrong.

There are a few reasons that you might be smelling exhaust fumes, but the most important thing is to take your car to be fixed immediately to minimize your risk.

Can Exhaust Fumes Leak into a Car?

Your car’s exhaust system is complicated, with many interconnected parts working together, which means that there are a lot of places along the line that something could go wrong and a leak could occur.

Smelling exhaust fumes in the car itself likely indicates that the exhaust leak is somewhere near the air intake vent, beneath the hood. It could also be in the exhaust pipe system beneath the car, or in the muffler, but stronger exhaust fumes are more likely to come from an exhaust leak under the hood.

Internal and external corrosion can cause the metal of the exhaust system to break down, leading to an exhaust leak. Driving conditions as well as driving habits can also have a considerable effect on the general wear and tear of your vehicle, including the exhaust system.

What Happens if You Inhale Car Exhaust?

Inhaling car exhaust due to an exhaust leak may just cause mild symptoms, but it can also be quite dangerous.

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious issue. Even relatively minimal exposure to built-up carbon monoxide indoors or in a car can lead to headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. A carbon monoxide leak that goes unfixed, leading to more significant exposure, can cause you to pass out and may even lead to death. A matter of just minutes of exposure can also lead to serious neurological damage.

Usually, people inhaling carbon monoxide would notice the milder symptoms first, but a carbon monoxide leak can also affect those who are sleeping or drunk—in particular, because carbon monoxide is both colorless and odorless. In these cases, people may die before ever noticing symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50,000 people are hospitalized annually because of carbon monoxide poisoning, and about 430 people die.

Because it’s hard to detect carbon monoxide, and because the consequences of poisoning are so severe, the best way to prevent poisoning is to prevent the issues that cause exposure in the first place—which means regularly having your car checked and being alert for potential issues and defects.

Nissan Infiniti Exhaust Leak Litigation

A number of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles may be associated with a significant defect that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. A full list of 2006–2019 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles that may have been affected by this defect is included on our investigation page.

A class action lawsuit has already been field over the alleged Nissan Infiniti carbon monoxide leak defect.

This is not the first issue with carbon monoxide poisoning Nissan has dealt with. The manufacturer has also faced lawsuits over carbon monoxide poisoning related to its keyless ignition system.

Can I File an Exhaust Leak Lawsuit?

If you have purchased or leased a Nissan or Infiniti vehicle that may have been affected by this alleged exhaust leak defect, you may eligible for compensation through litigation.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

Join a Free Nissan and Infiniti Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased or leased a 2006-2019 Nissan or Infiniti vehicle, you may be able to join this Nissan and Infiniti carbon monoxide leak class action lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.