Parts for your 2018 Nissan Serena-Exhaust gasket

2018 Nissan Serena Exhaust Gasket — What It Does and When to Replace

Is an exhaust gasket used on a 2018 Nissan Serena? Yes. Technical sources including the Nissan Serena C27 Electronic Service Manual (sections EX – Exhaust System and EM – Engine Mechanical) and the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for the C27 platform show exhaust gaskets at the cylinder head–to–exhaust manifold interface and at key flange joints (front pipe, catalytic converter sections, and rear muffler). Dealer parts diagrams for the MR20DD S-HYBRID and the HR12DE e-POWER variants both list manifold and flange/crush-type exhaust gaskets. So an exhaust-gasket is absolutely relevant to a 2018‑nissan‑serena/exhaust-gasket.

On this model, exhaust gaskets seal hot gases as they leave the engine and flow through the front pipe, catalyst and mufflers. They stop leaks that can cause a ticking noise on cold start, a whiff of exhaust odour near the bonnet or cabin, sooty marks around joints, and faulty oxygen sensor readings that mess with fuel economy. The Serena’s e-POWER version still has a petrol engine driving a generator, so it also relies on manifold and pipe gaskets to keep the system quiet, clean and efficient.

There’s no fixed replacement interval in the ESM, but best practice is to replace any exhaust gasket that’s been disturbed during repairs. Crush/donut gaskets are single-use, once compressed, they won’t reseal properly. During routine servicing of your 2018 Nissan Serena exhaust-gasket areas, a quick inspection goes a long way: look for black soot at joints, listen for a sharp tick or hiss on startup, and scan for exhaust-related fault codes if a leak is suspected. Always use OE-quality gaskets, clean mating faces, and tighten fasteners evenly in the sequence specified in the Nissan ESM. If studs or springs are corroded, replace the hardware so the new gasket can clamp correctly.

• Typical gasket spots on a Serena C27:
  • Exhaust manifold to cylinder head
  • Front pipe to manifold/catalyst (metal crush “donut”)
  • Mid and rear muffler flange joints (flat/graphite-steel gaskets)
• Common leak clues: ticking on cold start, sulphur-like odour, visible soot, louder exhaust note, or O2/catalyst efficiency codes.
• Safety tip: Any leak forward of the catalytic converter should be fixed promptly to avoid fumes entering the cabin.

FAQs

Does the 2018 Serena e-POWER still use exhaust gaskets?
Yes. Even though the e-POWER’s engine only drives a generator, it still burns fuel and uses a full exhaust system with manifold and flange gaskets. The sealing needs are the same as the S-HYBRID petrol model.

Can exhaust gaskets be reused on a Serena?
No. Manifold and especially crush-type flange gaskets are designed for one-time compression. Reusing them risks leaks, noise and false oxygen sensor readings. Fit new gaskets and, if needed, new springs/studs.

What are the signs a Serena exhaust gasket has failed?
Expect a ticking or hissing sound on cold start that softens as the metal expands, a stronger exhaust smell around the engine bay or underbody, soot at a joint, and possible fuel trim or catalyst efficiency fault codes.