2023 HYUNDAI KONA

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is listed with a salvage title and an auction primary-damage code of “FRONT END.” Stage 1 reports that the visible severe front-end damage supports this stated primary-damage code; however, the salvage-title status cannot be confirmed from photographs. The front bumper cover, grille, and surrounding fascia are missing across the vehicle’s width, exposing the radiator, condenser area, wiring, and other front-end components. The hood has multiple severe creases and crushed areas, particularly along the front edge and front-right corner. The front corner and fender-edge areas are irregular and damaged, with exposed components, broken or missing trim, and displaced parts around both front corners. The headlamp assemblies are not intact in their normal positions. One lamp area is open with the assembly absent, while the opposite side has displaced components and exposed mounting areas. The lower front support and bumper-related components are also displaced, with detached or hanging parts visible. The extent of the visible front-end damage indicates that structural, cooling-system, electrical, lighting, driver-assistance, and mechanical components should be thoroughly inspected before repair or purchase. Their condition and functionality cannot be established from the provided findings. Additional exterior damage includes moderate scraping, chipped paint, and material disruption along the lower rocker panel between the front and rear wheel openings. Brownish discoloration and staining are visible on the front driver’s seat cushion. VIN decoding identifies this vehicle as a gasoline-powered Hyundai Kona SUV/MPV with four cylinders, four-wheel drive, and a seven-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle was manufactured by Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea. The decoded safety equipment includes front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, forward-collision warning, pedestrian automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rear visibility system, and direct tire-pressure monitoring. These systems should be tested after repairs, as the front-end damage may affect related sensors, wiring, and components. An NHTSA recall, campaign 23V526000, applies to certain 2023–2024 Hyundai Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can overheat, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire. The stated remedy is inspection and replacement of the electric oil-pump controller as necessary, free of charge. Recall completion should be verified with Hyundai before the vehicle is operated or purchased.