2021 HYUNDAI KONA SEL

The auction record lists the vehicle as having a salvage title and identifies the primary damage as FRONT END. Stage 1’s assessment supports the stated front-end damage code, noting extensive missing and broken bumper, grille, lamp, and fascia components. The salvage-title status cannot be confirmed from photographs. The front bumper cover and grille assemblies are absent, exposing the bumper reinforcement, radiator, wiring, lower front components, and internal front-end structure. One upper headlamp and the lower lamp assembly on the same front corner are also missing, leaving their mounting points, housings, and wiring exposed. Multiple plastic fascia, wheel-opening, and corner-trim components are broken, separated, hanging, or missing, with fractured edges and exposed mounting areas. The removed bumper cover itself has broken and separated sections, displaced grille pieces, and detached white and black trim components. Loose electrical wiring and connectors are visible in the lower front area. The VIN decodes this vehicle as a 2021 Hyundai Kona SEL SUV with four-wheel drive, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. It was manufactured in South Korea. NHTSA recall campaign 21V301000 applies to certain 2019–2021 Kona vehicles equipped with the 2.0-liter Nu MPI engine. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, potentially causing engine damage, stalling, or an oil leak onto hot exhaust components. The specified remedy is dealer inspection and, if necessary, engine replacement, along with installation of Piston Ring Noise Sensing System software. Recall completion should be verified with Hyundai or an authorized dealer before purchase. The vehicle should also undergo a complete inspection of the cooling system, structural components, wiring, lighting systems, restraint systems, and mechanical operation before being considered roadworthy.