Yes it is possible.
No a bad muffler shouldn't, but a clogged catalytic converter will.
They can become clogged or they can burn out.
Yes, you can do serious damage to the engine if the converter is clogged.
Loss of power, and a converter that gets red hot.
Yes.
A bad catalytic converter can cause hard starts if it has become clogged. This produces excessive back pressure in the engine.
fumes in car,louder then normal engine noise,no power (collapsed muffler or clogged catalytic converter, buzzing noise in exhaust. what did i win? g
Yes, a clogged converter will rob you of power and speed.
If fuel injected, yes. Plus it is illegal.
Yes, if it is clogged very badly.
A clogged converter will cause an extreme loss in power, poor mileage, and hard starting. If it is clogged really, really, bad it may cause the engine to not even start.
Most cars won't even run is the converter is clogged. Clogged converters can get very hot, maybe even start fires.