2020 HYUNDAI SANTA FE SEL

The vehicle is a 2020 Hyundai Santa Fe SEL, VIN 5NMS33AD5LH234724, identified as a front-wheel-drive SUV with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It was manufactured by Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in the United States. The auction record lists the vehicle as “SALVAGE CERT-WATER DAMAGE,” with “WATER/FLOOD” recorded as the primary damage. Stage 1 reports that the available exterior, interior, dashboard, and engine-bay photos show no visible horizontal tide line, water-line staining, mud or silt residue, mold-like discoloration, or visible corrosion consistent with flooding. Stage 1 therefore considers the visible evidence unsupported for the unverified water/flood claim and identifies a mismatch with the auction damage code. The illuminated instrument cluster reportedly appears normal apart from a visible service-required message. Physical inspection and diagnostic testing are recommended to determine the vehicle’s actual condition. Visible collision-related damage is recorded at the lower front bumper. The lower black trim at the visible front corner is displaced downward, leaving an open gap and an irregular edge beneath the bumper. Light-colored scuffing and scraped areas are also present along the lower bumper fascia and adjacent trim. The trim displacement is assessed as moderate, while the abrasion is assessed as minor. The findings do not establish whether any underlying mounting, structural, sensor, or mechanical components are affected. Two NHTSA safety recalls are listed for this model and year. Recall 21V00M000 concerns possible improper windshield bonding, which could allow the windshield to detach during a crash. Recall 23V181000 concerns a potential electrical short and fire risk involving certain tow-hitch harness modules; this applies to vehicles equipped with the affected original-equipment or dealer-installed hitch harness. Recall completion status for this vehicle should be verified with Hyundai using the VIN before purchase.