Vehicle has reduced engine performance and a rattling sound is heard near the

The most common causes of a rattling sound coming from under the hood are low engine oil, resulting in a rattling engine. It could also be bad fuel, causing the engine to knock or it can be caused by broken internal engine parts.

The most likely cause of reduced engine performance and a rattling sound near the front of the engine is a problem with the engine's timing belt or timing chain. The timing belt or chain is responsible for synchronizing the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft, which controls the opening and closing of the engine's valves. If the timing belt or chain is damaged or worn, it can cause the engine to lose power and produce a rattling sound. This issue can be especially concerning as continued operation of the vehicle can cause the timing belt or chain to completely fail, resulting in significant engine damage. It is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible to diagnose and address the issue.