2023 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SEL

This 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe is listed with a salvage certificate of title, and the auction identifies the primary damage as front end. Stage 1 reports that the visible hood deformation, front bumper damage, and deployed driver airbag support the stated FRONT END damage code; however, the salvage-title status cannot be confirmed from the photos. The front hood panel has severe deformation, including extensive sharp creasing and buckling across the front and left side. Its contour is significantly uneven, with a large irregular gap above the grille and headlights. The lower-left corner of the front bumper cover has moderate creasing and an irregular protruding shape. The driver steering-wheel airbag is visibly deployed and hanging over the steering wheel. A red airbag warning indicator is also illuminated in the instrument cluster, indicating that the restraint system requires further inspection and repair. The findings do not establish the condition of other airbags, sensors, structural components, cooling components, steering, suspension, or the vehicle’s mechanical systems; these should be checked during a physical inspection. VIN decoding identifies the vehicle as a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL SUV with four-wheel drive, a 2.5-liter gasoline four-cylinder engine, and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It was manufactured by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the United States. One NHTSA recall is listed for this model year: campaign 23V181000, concerning certain vehicles equipped with a tow-hitch harness. Water accumulation in the harness module may cause an electrical short and fire. The recall remedy involves installation of a fuse and wire-extension kit as necessary. Whether this specific vehicle is equipped with the affected harness, and whether the repair has been completed, should be verified.