Nissan Note Exhaust System: Specs, Fitment & Common Faults
On the Note, if diesel, a genuinely important warning: the DPF light going off after a short drive doesn't mean it's fixed.
Illustration for editorial purposes
OEM Part Numbers
A Genuinely Important Warning: The Light Going Off Doesn't Mean It's Fixed
This is genuinely worth understanding if you've seen the amber DPF warning light appear, then go off again after a shorter drive: this doesn't necessarily mean the problem is solved. Clearing the light typically requires sustained driving at speeds above 40mph for at least 20-30 minutes — a shorter drive that clears the light temporarily may only be achieving a partial, incomplete regeneration. If the underlying cause doesn't change, the light will keep returning, and each partial cycle loads a little more unburned soot until eventually even a proper motorway run can't clear the filter.
It's also worth knowing that early diesel models on some platforms don't have the same self-regenerating capability that later generations do — meaning older examples can't necessarily "drive out" a blocking DPF the same way newer cars can.
The Part That Announces Its Own Problems
Unlike a lot of the parts on this site, this is one where you'll usually hear the fault before you see it — a rattle, a drone, a sudden increase in noise that wasn't there last week. That's actually useful, since it gives you a head start on catching problems early.
What It Does
The exhaust system channels burnt gases away from the engine, reduces noise through the silencer, and on most modern cars, treats emissions through a catalytic converter and particulate filter before gases exit the tailpipe. Petrol and diesel versions of the same model often use entirely different systems due to different emissions treatment requirements.
Fitment & Compatibility
Exhaust systems differ substantially between the petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Note, since the hybrid versions integrate differently with the electric motor's contribution to deceleration. Always confirm the exact part fitted to your specific engine and powertrain combination before ordering. Whether you're sourcing a replacement exhaust system for your Nissan Note from a dealer, specialist, or online marketplace, always check compatibility against your registration or VIN before buying.
Common Faults
Symptoms of Failure
- Rattling noise, especially on startup — often a loose or corroded heat shield rather than the exhaust pipe itself, though worth checking both.
- Noticeably louder engine noise — points to a hole or split somewhere in the pipe or silencer, typically caused by corrosion.
- Visible rust or flaking on the underside — a warning sign of corrosion that will eventually lead to a leak if left unaddressed.
- Failed emissions test — can point to a failing catalytic converter or particulate filter rather than the pipework itself.
DIY Replacement Difficulty
Replacing a full exhaust system is a moderate-to-difficult DIY job requiring access to raise the car safely and often penetrating oil to free corroded fixings. Catalytic converter and particulate filter replacement usually requires specific diagnostic equipment afterward to reset fault codes, making that portion of the job better suited to a garage. Expect 2–4 hours for a full system on a home ramp, or less at a garage with the right lift access.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
Reputable aftermarket exhaust systems are widely regarded as a safe, cost-effective alternative to OEM parts for the pipework and silencer sections. Catalytic converters and particulate filters are worth sourcing from well-regarded brands specifically, since counterfeit or substandard versions are a common cause of failed emissions tests and check-engine warnings.
More Nissan Exhaust System Guides
The same part, covered across other Nissan models.