Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Flight Instructor
Situational Awareness; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
While on initial climbout; out of ZZZ; the engine sputtered and exhaust fumes filled the cabin. Instructor asked Student if he smelled it as well; Student confirmed and then opened windows. Instructor notified Tower and made an air turn back. While on downwind; the engine sputtered again. No further issues were noticed.
C172 instructor and student reported engine sputter and fumes during climb; resulting in a return to the departure airport.