Is it just me or does anybody else think the engine is noisey.Can,t hear it from inside the car but outside sounds like a tapping sound or fluttering sound.I,m not use to 4cyl engines so mabe its surpose to sound like this.

 

The I4 engine in my daughter's 09 GLS idles almost as quiet as the V6 in my 2008. It is a bit harsher if reved up, but the V6 has a completely differnent exhaust system so that is not a fair comparison.

 

The only 'real' noise that I can hear is the slight 'tic' of the 4 fuel injectors as they actuate, and the slight mechanical noise of the belt-driven accessories.

Above 3500rpm it does get a little 'busy' sounding, but that;s true of any internal combustion engine. Most of the noise at that speed appears to be from the intake side as the long intake duct work does not fully muffle all the noise.

Nothing that I have found to be concerned or bothersome.

 

I have a 2009 Kia Optima 2.4L and I have noticed this exact same noise in mine. I first thought something was wrong, but then I found that it is indeed coming from the fuel injectors. Its really loud when I am in a drive-thru and the sounds echo's off the wall. I guess it is "normal"...although it kind of sucks for a new engine to sound this way.

 

My daughter drove her 2009 I4 home for christmas. After 3 months and ~4,000 of breakin, the injector tic is noticable less with the hood open but still more obvious than what I notice for my 2008 V6. Part of that may be the larger baffled engine cover on the V6 compared to the I4. With the hood closed, both are quieter than any other car I've owned. Like Jim in Indy says, none of this noise is a bother or a concern.