2011 Lexus CT

Routine

Owners filed 22 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes8
101
Unknown or Other3
000
Engine3
000
Electrical System3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System2
000
Air Bags2
100
Wheels1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Jan 30, 2026MO

The horn quit working, but the alarm that came from the horn still works. I suspect it's the clock spring.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 19, 2025CA

There is an issue with the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies that causes this vehicle to brake poorly. These parts are known to malfunction in Lexus CT 200h models and recognized by Lexus/Toyota. This issue needs to be extended into a recall for the vehicle due to the danger it poses while braking. Lexus/Toyota have acknowledged the issue via their letter: Customer Support Program 21LE01. The original publication of this program was issued on May 20, 2021. Within the letter they recognize that these parts will commonly break down. They issued a brief coverage on vehicles affected. A primary coverage on vehicles prior to November 30, 2022, and a secondary coverage on vehicles within 10 years of operation and 150,000 miles. With the secondary coverage applying to whichever came first. As a secondary owner of this vehicle, I had no idea this letter had been sent out. I had purchased this car late 2022. Had there been a recall notice on these vehicles, I would have been able to speak to a service representative about getting this issue remedied. Seeing as my vehicle is at 143,273 miles and 14 years in use, I am no longer covered through the Customer Support Program 21LE01. During my years of operating this vehicle I have experienced issues when braking. While driving and braking over bumpy roads the vehicle's braking would feel less effective. A week before my vehicle's Brake, Brake System, ABS, and Traction Control lights came on, I nearly experienced a collision w

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 5, 2025AR

I was driving my 2011 Lexus CT 200h and while driving my vehicle abruptly came to a stop in the middle of the road posing a safety risk to me and my passengers without warning. Up until this time, I had not received any "Check Engine" lights or any indication of failing units. At the time my car suddenly stopped, my gauge read 1/4 tank full. I was forced to call for roadside assistance and had to wait hours for a tow truck. Once transported for repair, the technician claimed it was a failed fuel tank sending unit that caused my car to stalled suddenly in the street. However, after researching other similar issues/instances I believe the sudden engine stall on a Lexus hybrid is almost certainly caused by an issue with the fuel pump or another critical fuel system component, not the sending unit resulting in this severe safety concern.

Engine
Filed Apr 17, 2025NV

The contact owns a 2011 Lexus CT200H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and brake warning light and check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster and brake booster pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 6, 2025FL

I was driving my Lexus ct200h and the traction control, brake light, and two other lights came on the dash. I took it in to Toyota and they indicated that this was a common problem with both Prius models and ct200h models. Their exact verbage in the service ticket was: TECH FOUND CODE C1391 ACCUMULATOR ABNORMAL SLOW LEAK REC ACTUATOR AND PUMP ASSEMBLY

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 29, 2024TX

Hello, I am writing to bring attention to a vital public safety issue regarding the Lexus recall policy eligibility of 21LE01, concerning brake system issues. The current policy deems vehicles eligible for recall based on a set criterion: the vehicle must be under 10 years of age or under 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. The term “whichever comes first” disregards the importance of “mileage” as the main indicator of wear and tear, especially for brake system issues which are largely and directly related to it. My vehicle, a Lexus CT200h, 11 years old with 100,000 miles (upon receipt of the recall notice) was confirmed to have the exact brake issues as described in 21LE01. However when I sought remedy and support, I was told that despite being well under the mileage limitation, my vehicle was ineligible for the recall due to its age. For recalls that pertain directly to the safety of the vehicle's occupants and the general public – such as brake system malfunctions – more lenient eligibility criteria should be adopted to ensure no vehicle with potential defects is left untreated. A more flexible approach that considers both age and mileage individually would be much more suitable for the break issues that 21LE01was set to address. A brake system malfunction is a grave risk to the safety of the vehicle's occupants and others on the road. Such recalls should prioritize safety over arbitrary constraints. The safety of drivers, passengers, and the broader public should always

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 9, 2024TX

The Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assembly Malfunctioned Dec. 25th 2022 on Christmas day a month after the deadline for a Customer Support Program Notification ( Primary coverage til. Nov. 30,2022. Secondary Coverage 10 years or 150k whichever comes first from the date of 1st use-08/16/2011.) I called Toyota to inform them and get them to solve this issue. Toyota/Lexus Refuses to pay to fix this huge safety issue. The estimate for this is $4,000-$5,000 dollars. When this went out all the lights came on in my car including: Master Warning Light, Brake System Warning Light, ABS Warning Light, and the Slip Indicator Light. There is a pumping sound like a barking from a dog. The car is solely relying on the other brakes to slow the car down. After the Brake Booster went out I was driving on the highway and tried to stop in time for a curved exit. The stop was too much for these brakes alone the car started shaking and spun out of control. Luckily I was able to pull aside without hitting other vehicles or the median. It scared me so much. This is a known problem that they refuse to fix and pay for. This component has been inspected by a local car shop. This is my only car. I drive it only when necessary. I try to avoid highways and fast speeds because i know that these brakes are not sufficient for a safe stop. Even at speeds of 35 mph of less the car shakes when breaking. I think Toyota should fix this issue and pay for it indefinitely. The part they created is obviously f

Engine
Filed Jan 27, 2023VA

Car shakes and shutters and is very reluctant to accelerate at low speeds, even with gas pedal pressed down. Then acceleration kicks in and it wants to bolt off.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 27, 2023TX

​ ​All brake related lights went on suddenly; brakes are failing: will have to push to ground to slow down the car. Car is unsafe to drive due to the brake condition. Yet, this is really a complaint on the recall process for a car safety issue rather than the issue itself: the car manufacturer (Lexus) has sent me a letter in 2022 which highlighted this potential brake issue (a letter from Lexus HQ can be found in NHTSA achieve, and is also attached here). Took the car to Lexus dealer, they checked and verified the brake issue is exactly as described in the recall (code C1391, brake booster need to replace); BUT the coverage was rejected, siting that my car is over 10 years old while this recall program covers “10 years or 150k miles, whichever comes first”; then Lexus has quoted me $3000 to fix this. I have argued that the recall letter was sent to me in 2022, when my car is already over 10 years, although mileage has just passed 100k, 2/3 of the mileage limit. Having such term like “whichever comes first” is simply self-contradictory: if 10 years or less is a pre-condition, this recall should just exclude 2011 and 2012 models. ​and more importantly: brake issue is a major public safety concern, recall program should not have all these strings attached; and it certainly should not be used as sales scheme for expensive repairs. (they quoted much higher price​ on both labor and parts​) Please help bring attention to Lexus regarding this quite irresponsible way of handling car s

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 6, 2022CA

My cars horn sometimes works and sometimes does not

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 10, 2020CA

I HAVE TO ADD 4-5 QUARTS IN BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. MY ENGINE CONSUMES SO MUCH OIL AND I BELIEVE IT'S CONSTANTLY BURNING. ALSO WHEN I BREAK IT MAKES A LOUD ELECTRIC BRAKING NOISE. IT'S THE HYBRID BREAKING SYSTEM AND IT'S REALLY LOUD.

Engine
Filed Apr 20, 2020CA

CONSUMES 3-5 ADDITIONAL QUARTS OF OIL BETWEEN REGULARLY SCHEDULED OIL CHANGES.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 16, 2020OR

LEXUS IS AWARE OF A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS CAUSED FIRES DUE TO AN IMPROPER WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED ON TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS CT200H VEHICLES. I ASKED FOR THIS TO BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF IT TILL VERY RECENTLY, BUT IT EXPIRED IN OCTOBER 2019). THEY REFUSED, CITING THE FACT THAT I DID NOT SPEND ENOUGH MONEY WITH LEXUS TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. NOW, EVEN AFTER LIGHTBULB AND FUSE REPLACEMENT, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE ARE INOPERABLE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 21, 2018120,000 milesCA

CAR SHAKES VIBRANTLY AND MAKES A RATTLING NOISE WHEN STARTING. DOES IT AT TIMES WHEN COMING TO A STOP ALSO. ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. HAVE HAD EXHAUST MANIFOLD CHANGED AND TUNE UP BECAUSE SCANNER SHOW A MISFIRE ON A SPARK PLUG BUT NONE OF THOSE SEEMED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IS THERE A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE COMING SOON. EVERYTHING I'VE READ ON IT SEEMS LIKE EVERYONE IS HAVING SAME ISSUE. ALSO SOMETIMES IT WILL SPUTTER LIKE IT WANTS TO SHUT OFF ONCE IN A WHILE WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY.

Wheels
Filed Jul 13, 201832,000 milesMD

IN SNOW AND RAIN VEHICLE LOSES TRACTION AND STOPS WHEN GOING UP A HILL.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 6, 2017LA

[XXX], I HAVE A 2011 LEXUS ES350 AND HAVE HAD A LETTER FROM TOYOTA MOTOR SALES PUBLISHED MAY 23,2016. I HAVE CALLED LEXUS ON THIS RECALL AND KEEP GETTING A RUNAROUND OVERTIME I CALL AS TO WHEN I WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THEM ON THIS RECALL SINCE I RECEIVED THE RECALL FROM TOYOTA. I AM TRYING TO SELL MY LEXUS BECAUSE I NEED A TRUCK. WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO HAVE THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF? THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM THAT I CANNOT SELL MY LEXUS DUE TO THIS RECALL. [XXX] VIN # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 21, 201546,200 milesDC

I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 LEXUS CT200H ON THE NJ TURNPIKE JUST OUTSIDE NYC. IT WAS A CLEAR DAY. THE TEMPERATURE WAS 85. SUDDENLY, I HEARD A LOUD "POP"--LIKE AN EXPLOSION. I HAD JUST PASSED A TRACTOR-TRAILER AND THOUGHT IT HAD BLOWN A TIRE. THEN I STARTED TO HEAR WIND NOISE IN MY CAR. I PULLED OFF AT THE NEXT REST STOP AND DISCOVERED THAT MY SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED. THERE WAS A PIECE OF GLASS MISSING ABOUT THE SIZE OF TWO SOFTBALLS AND THE REMAINING GLASS WAS ALL SHATTERED. THE EDGES OF THE REMAINING GLASS WERE POINTED UPWARD. THERE WAS VERY LITTLE GLASS DEBRIS RESTING ON THE INSIDE COVER OF THE SUNROOF. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT ANYTHING HIT THE CAR. THE LEXUS DEALER HAS TOLD ME HE HAS NOT HEARD OF THIS PHENOMENON, ALTHOUGH IT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED ONLINE. THE WASHINGTON DC LOCAL ABC TV AFFILIATE DID A STORY ON THIS TOPIC LAST SUMMER. ALSO, MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THAT HE SPOKE WITH A LOCAL LEXUS MECHANIC WHO SAID HE HAS SEEN THIS A FEW TIMES BUT THAT LEXUS DENIES IT IS A PROBLEM. HAD THE INSIDE COVER OF MY SUNROOF BEEN OPEN, THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT...UPDATED 03/15/16 *BF UPDATED 10/26/2017*CN

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 25, 201586,000 milesOH

ON EXIT RAMP FROM I 70 TO I 270, THE OVERPASS WAS COVERED WITH ICE, SLID OFF THE ROAD AND INTO THE TREES HEAD ON. I QUESTIONED THE LEXUS COMPANY ABOUT THE AIR BAG(S) NOT DEPLOYING......UPDATED 03-11-15 *BF UPDATED 5/3/2016 *JS THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH A TREE - THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 10, 201456,000 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING ON A ASPHALT ROAD I WENT OVER A SPEED BUMP AND APPLIED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKE AND NEARLY CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. THERE WAS A SIMILAR ISSUE WHEN I HIT A POT HOLE AND THE VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING. IT CONTINUED TO GO FORWARD EVEN AFTER APPLYING THE BRAKES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LEXUS AND THE BRAKES WERE OPERABLE. THIS MAYBE RELATED TO THE TOYOTA BRAKE ISSUES. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 21, 201450,000 milesFL

FUEL LEAK, WHICH WAS REPAIRED AT A LEXUS DEALER. *TR

20 of 22 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20163000Routine
201516000Routine
201419000Routine
201343010Routine
201243000Routine
2011 — this page22000Routine

Compare every CT year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.