I just purchased a 2013 Maxima. I notice that when I turn the car off after driving it (even short distances if the engine is up to normal temperature) - I hear a clicking/popping noise. I'm guessing it's catalytic converter noise - it sounds like it's coming from the exhaust system versus the engine.

Is this normal?

I don't hear this noise on other new cars....

 

How long does this clicking/popping noise last after you shut off the engine?

 

Richard - I'm going to guess and say as the car cools back down. For example, if I drive to restaurant and eat for 40 minutes, when I walk out - it's perfectly quiet.

I'm going to make a video to attach - sounds like a metallic-sounding popcorn machine after 90% of the corn has popped lol.


Edit: Bringing engine to temperature at idle in driveway didn't produce any results, going to drive for a few and post a video with the sound.

 

Clicking and popping of the catalytic converter is the first thing I noticed after I purchase my 2010 Maxima.

I'm guessing it's normal but it kind of reminds me of older cars I owned before.

 

It's normal

 

Thanks guys.... Just for reference, this is the video ...


I don't hear it in any of my newer cars - just so long as it doesn't catch fire, lol, it doesn't bother me ...

 

ya normal.

 

Nissan uses cheaper, thinner heat shields on all of their cars. I have friends with Altimas that do the same thing. The answer to your question would be... normal... at least for a Nissan. Ridiculous for a flagship offering... IMO.

 

If it makes you feel any better, this clicking and popping is worst when the car is new. When it was new, my 2009 was like a bowl of rice crispies during hot weather, and was still noisy even in cool weather. But the only time it has been this way in recent years was when I parked very soon after a hard drive (repeated brisk accelleration) in warm weather.

 

I agree with everyone else. It's a Nissan characteristic for sure as I recently had a 2013 Pathfinder rental for 2 weeks and even it did the same after being driven and parked.

 

Some cars will make the noise and some will not. It is purely a function of manufacturing tolerances and assembly for the exhaust system. Don't sweat it.

 

I agree with light... it does get better with time/use... but it's still noticeable.

 

Thanks everyone....