If Your Car Smells Like Rotten Eggs, Here’s What It Means

Catalytic Converter Failure

The most common cause of a rotten egg smell in a car is a faulty catalytic converter. Catalytic converters are meant to lessen the amount of dangerous gasses your car releases into the atmosphere, and when they fail, they create hydrogen sulfide, which smells like rotten eggs. As a catalytic converter goes bad, it also usually takes in more fuel than normal, as it struggles to process all of the exhaust gasses.

“Sometimes this is a problem that stems from an engine’s fuel system malfunctioning and burning too rich, or, rather, too much fuel,” says Duane “Doc” Watson, a technical trainer at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. “It could also be an engine mechanical issue, leaving your catalytic converter struggling to convert the unburnt or rich fuel mixture properly.”

Regardless of the reason, it’s a good idea to promptly bring your car into the shop, since defective converters can expose you and the environment to harmful exhaust fumes, says Watson. It can also lower your gas mileage, create poor engine performance and eventually damage your engine.

“It doesn’t always mean replacing the entire unit, though, because it may simply be overheated or clogged,” says Deege Carse, director at Trackershop. “It’s also best to fix the root cause first before replacing the catalytic converter. Otherwise, the issue will recur even with a new catalytic converter.”

Some of the possible root causes include: needing a tuneup, having a vacuum leak, getting bad fuel, having a fuel system that is not at the correct pressure or having an incorrect reading at an airflow sensor, says Chris “Moose” Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer.

“Ways to address this are to use some fuel system cleaner, address any stored codes that are in your computer and give the vehicle a tuneup as needed,” says Pyle. “Also, if you’re smelling your catalytic converter, that’s a sign that your exhaust system has a leak, since exhaust odors should only be detected at the tailpipe.”

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