Why is my Kia Sportage's engine making a knocking noise?

I've noticed a knocking noise coming from the engine of my Kia Sportage. It seems to happen more frequently when the car is idling, but it can also be heard while driving at low speeds. What could be causing this and should I be concerned?

The knocking noise could be a sign of a worn out engine bearing. It's best to get this checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible before it causes further damage.

It's possible that the knocking noise is coming from a loose heat shield. This is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix, but it's still important to have it checked out to ensure it doesn't cause any other issues.

The knocking noise could also be caused by a problem with your fuel system. I recommend having the fuel filter and injectors checked and replaced if necessary.