2021 HYUNDAI KONA SE

The auction lists the vehicle as having a salvage title and identifies SIDE as the primary damage classification. Stage 1 reports that the extensive deformation and scraping visible along the vehicle’s left side support the auction’s unverified SIDE damage claim; however, the salvage-title status cannot be confirmed from exterior photographs. The left front door is severely crushed and deformed, with deep creases, scraped paint, an irregular edge, and a large uneven gap at the rear door seam. Its exterior handle is missing, exposing the mounting recess and internal hardware, and a detached black door-handle component is lying beside the vehicle. The left rear door also has extensive inward deformation, deep horizontal and diagonal creases, and widespread paint abrasion. The left rocker panel and lower door area show pronounced creasing, scraping, and uneven panel contours. These areas may involve more than cosmetic damage and should be physically inspected for structural deformation, damage to the door and rocker-panel reinforcement, and effects on door operation and sealing. The left-side curtain airbags are deployed and hanging into the passenger compartment and rear roof area. Additional white restraint fabric is visible beside the front passenger seat, indicating further airbag or restraint-system deployment. Complete inspection and replacement of affected restraint-system components, together with electronic system diagnostics, will be required. The lower left rear bumper corner has heavy white scraping and a damaged opening or tear in the bumper cover. A separate black plastic grille or trim-like component is also detached and lying beside the vehicle; its original mounting location cannot be identified from the available findings. An official recall is listed for certain 2019–2021 Hyundai Kona vehicles equipped with the 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Recall 21V301000 concerns piston oil rings that may not have been properly heat-treated, potentially causing engine damage, stalling, or an oil leak onto hot exhaust components that could increase fire risk. The remedy involves dealer inspection and, if necessary, engine replacement, along with installation of Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software. The vehicle’s engine configuration and recall-repair status should be verified by VIN with Hyundai.