Two problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Corolla. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Consumer was driving at 55 mph and suddenly the engine made a noise. Then, vehicle slowed, and the serpentine belt came off. Consumer had a mechanic examine the vehicle, and it was discovered the bolt connecting the serpentine belt to the engine broke. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the same defect was found.
The engine of a 1998 Toyota Corolla died while driving on the highway. The germain Toyota of columbus examined the car and identified the timing chain tensioner failure as the cause of the engine damage. Replacement engine is needed. Toyota refuses to pay for the repair because they consider this wear an tear and also because the failure happened after warranty has expired. This type of wear an tear is not common on a 1998 Toyota with 82000 miles. Furthermore, Toyota's owner's manual supplement does not mention any maintenance requirement on timing chain tensioner. The only reference is in page 45, 90,000 miles maintenance log under "additional maintenance items for special operating conditions", which indicates 'replacing timing belt except for Corolla'. The manual specifies maintenance requirements for up to 120,000 miles. A consumer should not be held responsible for wear & tear of a component when the manufacturer does not specify the need for maintenance. I believe this failure is caused by a manufacturing defect or a design deficiency. Paid 2375 for a used replacement engine.