Five problems related to front suspension stabilizer bar have been reported for the 1998 Toyota Corolla. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Five days after purchase, while driving 55-60mph on freeway, vehicle spun out of control during a lane change. Car ended up facing oncoming traffic. Dealer denied problem. The importance of having a front stabilizer bar was never mentioned during sale or after spin out. I am suffering from severe whiplash and emotional distress and am lucky to be alive. Dealer will not return money. I refuse to drive unsafe car and car has remained at dealer since day of spin out. I learned of need for stabilizer bar from April 98 issue of consumer reports (which states 98 ce models do not handle well, and fared poorly on emergency handling tests). Stabilizer bars were made standard in all models as of April 1998. The Corolla was redesigned in 98, so all ve and ce models built and sold prior to April 98 lack this crucial safety feature. I believe a defect/recall investigation is needed.
While driving 50 to 60 mph vehicle becomes very difficult to handle due to lack of front stabilizer bar. Vehicle has been taken to dealer.
Vehicle was manufactured without a stabilizer bar. It was available as an option if custom ordered.
Vehicle was manufactured without a stabilizer bar. Therefore could lose control of vehicle, resulting in a possible accident. Manufacturer has been notified.
While drivng vehicle at highway speeds vehicle lurches left to right. Owner has taken vehicle to dealers and they are unable to correct problem. Owner is very concerned for safety.