The dependability of the routing system in ad hoc networks inherently relies on node behavior. In order to support multihop operation in the network, most ad hoc routing algorithms assume well-behaving nodes. However, in reality there may exist constrained, selfish or malicious nodes. We discuss the influence of node misbehavior on the routing process. In particular, we derive a classification for misbehaving nodes and extend an analytical model of the route acquisition process executed by the ad hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) routing protocol to cover different classes of misbehavior. The validation of the behavior model, and the clarification of the impact misbehaving nodes impose onto the routing process, is completed using an experimental analysis.