My passenger side muffler fell off. Will it hurt if I keep driving it?

Hi, this is Bo, an auto expert on RepairPal's Car Genius team! Driving your Forester with one muffler missing won't cause any direct damage to the engine or major components, but it will make your car a bit louder and could cause some performance quirks. The main concern is that the uneven exhaust flow might slightly affect engine efficiency, but it’s generally safe for short-term driving. Just keep an ear out for any new noises, and avoid long drives where exhaust fumes could find their way inside the cabin. However, make sure the remaining exhaust piping is secure and not hanging loose—any dangling parts can cause damage if they snag something. As long as the exhaust gases are still being directed away from key components, you should be okay until you can bolt on that new muffler next month! If you need any further advice or if you'd like any help finding a trusted RepairPal shop in your area, please feel free to call us at 877-913-1554!