2021 KIA SPORTAGE LX

The auction record lists the vehicle as having a salvage title and identifies the primary damage as “SIDE.” Stage 1 reports that the visible evidence supports the stated side-damage claim, with clear damage to the left rear door and left rear quarter panel. However, the salvage-title status cannot be confirmed from the provided photos. The left rear door has a broad, moderately severe dent and creased deformation across the outer panel, including the area around the handle and the lower section of the door. The exterior door handle is missing, leaving its recessed mounting area exposed. The left rear quarter panel has a large scraped area with paint loss above and forward of the left rear tail lamp, exposing lighter-colored underlying material. A separate, smaller area of chipping and abrasion is present below and behind the fuel door. The VIN identifies this vehicle as a 2021 Kia Sportage LX SUV, built in South Korea. It is specified with front-wheel drive (4x2), a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, and a six-speed automatic transmission. Two NHTSA safety recalls are listed for this model year. Recall 21V137000 concerns a possible short circuit in the hydraulic electronic control unit, which may cause an engine-compartment fire; the remedy involves fuse replacement and, where applicable, an HECU software update. Recall 22V703000 applies to vehicles equipped with an original-equipment or Kia-dealer-installed tow-hitch harness, which may develop an electrical short due to debris and moisture accumulation; the remedy involves inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the fuse and/or harness module. Recall completion should be verified with Kia before purchase.