Where is the exhaust pipe located?
In most passenger cars, the exhaust pipe exits at the rear under the bumper.
Beyond this common setup, exhaust outlet locations vary by vehicle type and purpose. This guide outlines typical placements for cars, motorcycles, boats, aircraft, and outdoor power equipment, with notes on safety and maintenance.
Common locations by vehicle type
There are several common locations depending on the vehicle category.
- Passenger cars and light vehicles: typically exit at the rear of the vehicle, either as a single central tailpipe or as dual outlets on each side of the bumper.
- SUVs and light trucks: usually at the rear, often with dual exhaust tips near the corners of the bumper.
- Motorcycles and scooters: exhaust pipes run along one side or under the seat, ending near the rear wheel or under the tail.
- Boats and ships: exhaust outlets are located at or near the stern, often vented through the transom to direct fumes away from the cockpit and hull.
- Aircraft (small planes): exhaust stacks are typically mounted on the side or rear of the engine compartment and exit away from the fuselage and propellers.
- Lawn and garden equipment: small gas engines vent exhaust through a pipe near the engine housing, usually toward the rear or side of the unit.
- Industrial generators and heavy equipment: exhaust outlets are placed at the side or rear to vent away from operators and fuel systems.
In summary, while the rear exit dominates passenger cars, the exact spot depends on the machine’s layout, purpose, and safety considerations.
Details by category
Automobiles and light vehicles
Most cars place the exhaust pipe at the rear, with options ranging from a single tailpipe to dual outlets near the bumper corners. Some modern electric or hybrid models have reduced or hidden exhaust systems, but conventional internal combustion variants still vent fumes through the tailpipe.
Motorcycles and small engines
On motorcycles, exhausts are often mounted along one side or under the seat, with mufflers placed toward the rear. The arrangement balances performance, noise, and ground clearance and varies by make and model.
Boats and ships
Marine exhaust is designed to vent overboard and away from the helm. The exhaust might exit through the stern, a side exhaust, or via a dedicated exhaust stack integrated into the hull or deck fittings.
Aircraft
Aircraft exhaust systems channel waste gases away from the engine and airframe, typically along the side or rear of the engine compartment and exiting aft of the wing or fuselage depending on the design.
Power equipment
Generators, lawn mowers, and similar equipment place exhaust outlets to minimize exposure to operators—often on the side or rear of the unit, sometimes with noise-reducing mufflers and heat shields.
Summary
Exhaust pipe locations are largely determined by the vehicle’s design, with cars typically venting at the rear under the bumper, while boats, aircraft, and outdoor power equipment have location patterns that reflect safety, exhaust routing, and heat management. Always consult your owner's manual for the exact routing on your specific model.
Can I still drive my car if the exhaust falls off?
Sure. Depending what part fell off, it may just be louder, or it may throw a code or have a loss of performance and/or efficiency. It's not going to hurt anything to drive for a time.
How much should it cost to replace an exhaust pipe?
between $1,244 and $1,302
The average cost for an Exhaust Pipe Replacement is between $1,244 and $1,302.
Where is the exhaust pipe located on a car?
The exhaust on a car is a hidden system of pipes and components located underneath the vehicle, with the final exit point, called the tailpipe, typically found at the rear of the car. The system starts at the engine block with the exhaust manifold and travels through a catalytic converter, muffler, and other parts before the gases exit at the tailpipe.
This video explains how an exhaust system works, showing the path of exhaust gases from the engine to the tailpipe: 58sAMSOIL INC.YouTube · Sep 9, 2025
- Underneath the car: The entire system, including the catalytic converter and muffler, is tucked away out of sight under the body of the car.
- Rear of the vehicle: The exhaust gases are expelled into the atmosphere through the tailpipe, which is the final exit point and is usually located at the rear of the car, either on one side or both.
- Engine block: The exhaust system begins at the engine with the exhaust manifold, which is bolted directly to the engine block to collect the gases as they are produced.
You can watch this video to see what's inside a muffler and catalytic converter: 59sHumbleMechanicYouTube · Aug 15, 2018
What happens when the exhaust pipe is damaged?
Driving with a broken exhaust can lead to harmful gases entering the cabin, as well as the environment. In extreme cases, excessive heat from a malfunctioning exhaust could become a fire risk, presenting a danger to you and other road users.
