1997 Nissan Maxima Popping sounds near firewall on passenge

Engine problem
1997 Nissan Maxima 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 154k miles

I recently drove my daughters car and heard the above. Upon limited examination I saw where she had backed into something and pushed and bent the exhaust sytom under the car I am going to have that repaired - my question is would you think the exhaust sytem issue might create the popping sound near the front? Thank you