There's a loud flapping noise in the cabin when I start it or acceklerate. 08 VUE V6 AWD, 134,000 miles 90,000 on new engine. Also, the first engine was dealer serviced regularly: Was total failure common in 08's wil under 50,000 miles. I just bought at considerable discount because of what I described to the dealer as a probable broken motor mount.

 

Someone likely ran it out of oil or ran it out of coolant.

Your description does not indicate from where on the Vue you think the noise is coming from. Underhood? Front axle? Rear? Underneath. Need more details to be of help

 

the noise seems to come from the area of the right footwell. As I previously stated, the Vue was regularly dealer serviced, always at intervals of less than 10,000 miles. First owner kept it for seven years including engine replacement at under 50,000 miles.

 

Have someone else crank the engine while you stand with by the front passenger tire with the hood up to see if you can locate the noise. Even high versus low is progress. If it is only when the starter is cranking then it could be an indication of an issue with the starter or it might be something related to the serpentine belt.

Enough guessing. Go see what you can hear. If you pull the fuel injector fuse, you can crank without starting the engine. But do not hold the key in the crank position for more than 5 seconds at a time and wait about 30 seconds between cranks so that you do not overheat and damage the starter

And kill your battery

 

Only happens when it's near freezing and it's been sitting for at least a week. Sounds a lot like no muffler for a few seconds. Add this to the cruching sound, also from the right front, underneath, that goes away after a few miles. Been on a lift at Jiffy Lube repair, and they could find no problem.

 

Thank you for the other half of the information. It's really difficult to diagnose a vehicle we can't see touch or hear when I only know half of the details.

Pet peeve.

No clue.

 

everything and more. Next I'm changing the rear dif fluid.

 

Maybe the fan belt is coming apart? Might be a string hanging off of it a slapping the pulleys? IDK, just speculating.

 

serpentine belt in good shape.

 

Okay, strike that off the list. Maybe some sort of exhaust leak that seals itself after warming up?