A visibly damaged or restricted exhaust route can be relevant to a vented dryer's performance and safety. It still needs appropriate assessment rather than a guessed internal diagnosis.
Understanding this situation
Do not move a heavy appliance casually to reach it, particularly if stacked or tightly fitted. A hose that looks clear at the front may not show the complete route.
A useful next step
Stop use where restriction or overheating is suspected. Report the model, route and any recent movement. Have the installation restored according to its instructions; running with the hose disconnected is not a suitable substitute or customer performance test.
Manuals and supporting guidance
Model-specific instructions take priority. These references support the practical principles discussed here; they do not diagnose your appliance.