NHTSA Complaint #715235 — 1998 HONDA CIVIC

THE SUPPORT ROD FOR THE HOOD IS APPROXIMATELY 1 FT. IN LENGTH, AND IS LOCATED APPROXIMATELY ONE FOOT FROM THE HOOD HINGE. THE SUPPORT ROD ALSO CONTAINS A MANUFACTURED BEND IN THE CENTER THAT IS MEANT TO FOLD UNDER PRESSURE. IT FAILED. SLIGHT PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE HOOD WHILE IN THE RAISED POSITION BETWEEN 1.5 AND 3.5 INCHES . THE HOOD BENT ON THE ROD. THERE WAS NO EXTRA REINFORCEMENT IN THE MANUFACTURED PLACEMENT AREA PROVIDED FOR THE ROD. THE DAMAGE IS MINIMAL.....ONLY A 1/4 INCH DIMPLE IN THE HOOD, BUT THE HOOD IS SO THIN THAT THE ONLY MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED REPAIR IS COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF THE HOOD. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A DEFINITE DESIGN FLAW; THE ENTIRE WEIGHT OF THE HOOD PIVOTS ON THE ROD AT ONLY ONE FOOT IN DISTANCE FROM THE FULCRUM(HINGE). PHYSICALLY IT IS A CERTAINTY THAT DAMAGE IS INEVITABLE.