Two problems related to hood have been reported for the 1998 Honda Civic. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
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.
Defective reaction to sunlight. White "chalky spots" appear on hood/front panels and front roof panels when exposed to sunlight.