I just got my cordless vacuum and turned it on for the first time and it gave off a terrible smell and it whistles pretty loud. Is this common
No, did you remove all of the packing material and make sure the bottom is closed and sealed? there should be a black o-ring around the bottom of the container.
Also, check the intake area to make sure nothing is plugging the tube. If you have any connected devices on it, remove them and try to see if it stops. if it does then something is in the tube.