2023 HYUNDAI SONATA SEL Plus

The auction record lists this 2023 Hyundai Sonata as a salvage vehicle with “REAR END” as the primary damage. Stage 1 reports that the visible evidence supports this classification, with severe damage across the rear bumper, trunk area, rear body panels, right rear lamp area, and exhaust assembly. The rear bumper cover is torn, crushed, and displaced across the rear and right rear corner, with broken material and exposed internal components. The trunk lid is severely deformed, particularly on the right side, with irregular gaps and a crushed lower edge and adjacent trim. The right rear lamp assembly is broken or missing, leaving wiring and internal components exposed. Severe crushing and tearing are also visible around the right rear quarter, rear panel, and trunk opening. The left rear corner has similarly crushed and torn bumper material, exposed components, and irregular body-panel edges. The rear panel surrounding the trunk opening is buckled and deformed, with multiple broken or displaced parts. Detached bumper pieces, grille-like trim, underbody panels, and exhaust components are shown on the ground beside the vehicle. The rear exhaust and muffler assembly are visibly detached and hanging below the vehicle, with the muffler and tailpipe near the ground. The instrument cluster displays the message, “Check Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system,” accompanied by a warning symbol. This system and related wiring, sensors, and vehicle structure should be tested after repairs. A physical inspection should also verify the rear body structure, trunk fit, exhaust mounting, electrical connections, and the operation of all safety systems. VIN decoding identifies the vehicle as a South Korea-built 2023 Hyundai Sonata SEL Plus sedan with a gasoline 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and standard forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear visibility systems. Two NHTSA safety recalls are listed for this make, model, and year. Recall 23V526000 concerns the Idle Stop & Go electric oil-pump controller, which may overheat and increase the risk of fire; the remedy involves inspection and replacement of the controller as necessary. Recall 25V796000 concerns a fuel-tank check valve that may allow the tank to expand and contact hot exhaust components, potentially melting the tank and causing a fuel leak; the remedy includes inspection and replacement of affected components and an engine-control-unit software update as necessary. Recall completion should be verified by VIN before purchase.