2026 KIA SPORTAGE EX

The auction record identifies the vehicle as having a SALVAGE CERTIFICATE, with SIDE listed as the primary damage. Stage 1 reports that the visible evidence supports the SIDE damage classification because substantial dents and deformation are present on the side body panels. Stage 1 also notes extensive missing or disassembled components at both the front and rear. The salvage-certificate status itself cannot be confirmed from the provided photos. The vehicle has severe visible damage at both ends. At the rear, the bumper cover and lower fascia are missing, exposing the reinforcement area, mounting structure, wiring, and other internal components. Rear lamp assemblies are also absent, leaving open cavities and exposed brackets and wiring. Detached bumper sections and a lamp assembly are shown on the ground beside the vehicle. At the front, the bumper cover and grille are missing, exposing the radiator-area components, front reinforcement area, brackets, wiring, and lower assemblies. The right-front headlamp is absent, with its mounting areas and internal components exposed. The visible side doors and rear quarter panel have multiple deep dents, creases, and irregular deformations. The visible front and rear side-window openings, including the rear quarter-window opening, contain no glass. Various exterior trim pieces are also missing from the doors, rocker area, and wheel arches, leaving exposed fastener holes and unfinished mounting edges. The VIN decodes this vehicle as a 2026 Kia Sportage EX SUV, manufactured by Kia Georgia, Inc. in the United States. It is equipped with a gasoline 2.5-liter GDI Theta III engine and 4x2 drive. The decoded equipment includes standard ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, curtain and side airbags for the first and second rows, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assistance, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, and a rear visibility system. These features and their associated wiring, sensors, and control modules should be inspected during repair. An NHTSA-listed recall applies to certain 2026 Kia Sportage vehicles for an instrument-panel software error that may cause the display to fail, potentially preventing critical information such as vehicle speed, tire-pressure status, or warning lights from being shown. The stated remedy is a free software update performed over the air or by a Kia dealer. Recall status for this specific VIN should be verified with Kia or NHTSA before purchase. The vehicle should also undergo a complete physical inspection covering structural areas, restraint systems, lighting, wiring, sensors, glass, cooling components, wheel alignment, and mechanical operation before repair or road use.