2021 HYUNDAI KONA SE

The 2021 Hyundai Kona is listed with an unverified auction primary-damage classification of “REAR END.” Stage 1 reports that the visible severe rear-end damage supports this auction claim. The vehicle is also listed with a “SALVAGE VEHICLE TITLE”; however, salvage-title status cannot be confirmed from exterior photographs. The rear hatch is severely crushed, with pronounced creases and flattened areas across the lower and central sections. The hatch perimeter has irregular gaps relative to the surrounding body panels. The rear bumper cover and both rear corner trim sections are missing, exposing lower body metal, mounting points, wiring, lamp-area housings, and other internal components. The lower rear body panel and both rear corners show severe creasing, irregular edges, displaced mounting openings, and distorted sheet metal. The left rear lamp area has a damaged or irregular housing/lens edge, exposed wiring, and torn or displaced material around the lamp opening. The left rear quarter corner and hatch edge are visibly deformed. Detached bumper and trim pieces are present, including a cracked white bumper strip and black bumper-cover sections with pronounced creasing and surface damage. Repairs will likely require replacement of the rear hatch, bumper assembly, corner and lower trim components, and damaged lamp-area parts, together with inspection and repair of the underlying rear body structure, mounting points, wiring, and lighting systems. The extent of any hidden structural or mechanical damage cannot be determined from the provided findings and should be verified through a physical inspection and system testing. A listed NHTSA recall applies to certain 2019–2021 Hyundai Kona vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. The recall concerns piston oil rings that may not have been properly heat-treated, potentially causing engine damage, stalling, or an oil leak and fire risk. The remedy involves engine inspection and, if necessary, replacement, along with installation of Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software. Engine configuration and recall-repair completion for this vehicle were not provided and should be confirmed by VIN with Hyundai.