american built "japanese" cars still provide better quality than "domestic" brands. so like succint said, just because its made in the US doesnt mean its crap. sure, the Japan built units might be a smidge higher on the quality scale, but thats not to say the US built units are pure junk.
and yes, quality has probably gone downhill somewhat. why? well...how many cars did honda make and sell in 1990 and how many cars do they make and sell today? when you make more of something, you're bound to get more problems. and modern cars have so many more parts and more complex curves, shapes and textures than those of the past, introducing even more room for error.
honestly, its just a piece of plastic that has warped. its plastic. plastic can warp. its not like just because its "Honda plastic" its now magically immune to the laws of physics. maybe that piece was produced in a bad batch or something.
just get it replaced, calm down, and go from there. you act like your car is going to implode because a piece of plastic warped and its built in the US. if you knew you were going to be so nit picky and paranoid because you got a US built model, you should have just waited out for a "J-VIN" because you're obviously tripping over the fact your car is built in Ohio.
and no, the engine is not a "Ford". what's machined on the top of the valve cover? oh yeah. HONDA. FYI, Honda has an engine plant in the US (in Anna, OH) that has been operational since 1985.
sorry if that was "harsh" but honestly, its not the end of the world because your car is built in the US.
