If exhaust gas is leaking and making the engine run poorly, two possible reasons could be:1. Damaged or leaking exhaust manifold or gasket – The exhaust manifold collects exhaust gases from the engine cylinders and sends them to the exhaust pipe. If there’s a crack or leak in the manifold or its gasket, exhaust gases can escape before reaching the catalytic converter. This can lead to reduced engine performance, loud noise, and even poor fuel economy.2. Broken or loose oxygen sensor – The oxygen sensor measures how much oxygen is in the exhaust gases. If this sensor is damaged or detects incorrect levels due to a leak, the engine computer may adjust the air-fuel ratio improperly, causing rough idling, poor acceleration, and higher emissions.These issues must be diagnosed quickly because exhaust leaks are dangerous. They can allow harmful gases like carbon monoxide to enter the cabin and affect engine efficiency. Mechanics use pressure tests and smoke tests to identify exact leak points and then replace or repair damaged parts.