2013 Lexus CT

Routine

Owners filed 45 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the brakes. No safety recall has been issued.

Most common 2013 Lexus CT problems

18 of the 45 complaints (40%) are about the brakes.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes · brakes17
101
Engine12
000
Structure › Body · body and frame2
101
Exterior Lighting · headlights2
000
Electrical System2
010
Air Bags · airbags2
101
Visibility/Wiper · wipers1
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
100
Unknown or Other1
000
Suspension1
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Other/I Am Not Sure
Filed Oct 29, 2026CA

The carseat is designed to clip and unclip from the base. When it has been clipped into the base, instead of being securely attached, pushing on the carseat causes it to easily pop out of the base WITHOUT using the release handles. This means that under pressure, the carseat de-attaches from the base, and is not safe or secure. I'm unable to attach a video below, so here is a link to a video showing the issue. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 5, 2026PA

A 2013 Lexus CT200h with approximately 122,291 miles developed repeated ticking/pump-cycling noises from the braking system. Shortly afterward, multiple brake/ABS/VSC warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Lexus dealer, where technicians diagnosed failure of the brake booster/master cylinder assembly and brake booster pump assembly. Diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253 were recorded. The dealer advised that the vehicle should not be driven until repaired because of the brake-system condition. Lexus previously established Customer Support Program 21LE01 for this same brake booster and brake booster pump condition on certain CT200h vehicles, including these diagnostic trouble codes. Lexus confirmed that this vehicle had been covered by that program, but the coverage expired based on time even though the vehicle remains below the program’s 150,000-mile limit. No crash, fire, or injury occurred. I am reporting this because the failure affects the vehicle’s braking system and appears consistent with a previously recognized Lexus brake booster condition.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 25, 2026FL

This is a known defect covered under Customer Support Program 21-LE-01. Lexus failed to notify me despite regular service at their dealership. I was forced to pay $3,000 for a safety defect that should have been covered

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 5, 2025VA

I am submitting a formal complaint regarding Lexus’ refusal to correct a known safety-related defect under Customer Support Program (CSP) 21LE01. My vehicle meets all criteria outlined in the program, yet Lexus denied coverage. Details: 1.Program Coverage: CSP 21LE01 covers Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump assemblies for internal malfunctions verified by Diagnostic Trouble Codes C1391, C1252, C1256, or C1253. Coverage extends 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. 2.Vehicle Qualification: •Mileage: under 150,000 miles •Model year/production range: covered under CSP 21LE01 •Symptoms: brake-system warning lights, reduced braking performance, and internal malfunctions •DTCs: C1391, C1252, C1256, C1253 confirmed 3.Lack of Notification: Lexus indicates that owners were notified of this program starting May 2021. I never received any notice, despite my contact information being current with the DMV. 4.Denial of Repair: Despite the vehicle qualifying under all CSP 21LE01 criteria, Lexus informed me I am “not eligible” for the repair. This refusal directly contradicts the program’s published requirements. Safety Concern: This defect affects the brake system, a critical safety component. Denying the repair for a qualifying vehicle exposes the driver and others on the road to potential brake failure and increased risk of accident. If the brake booster/pump fails while driving, braking can become hard, delayed, or fail completely, greatly increasing the risk of accidents,

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 13, 2025TX

My daughter was driving home at night and the vehicle brakes did not respond normally after coming to a gated entry, she was able to stop with limited braking power and luckily she did not get into an accident. The vehicle gave no warning prior to the incident, and started to show all 4 lights on the dash after the fact;BRAKE, CAUTION, ABS, Stability Control with a beeping sound. She had to stop the vehicle immediately because we felt if was unsafe to do so. The car was stored in the garage for a few days waiting for the codes to get scanned but after starting it the errors were gone, I was able to take a long drive without a problem. Then once again while driving (not when starting the vehicle) the codes reappeared and have been scanned and shows multiple errors; C1252, C1253, C1256, and C1391. This corresponds to the errors in the Brake Booster Pump. Now the car is beeping all the time and probably needs expensive repairs. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 23, 2025200,000 milesAL

The contact owns a 2013 Lexus CT 200H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the brake pedal was depressed and the ABS, traction control, and master warning lights illuminated. The message "Check ABS System" was displayed. The cruise control feature then became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: C1391, indicating an abnormal leak in the brake actuator accumulator; however, the contact was unaware of which parts needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission later failed to shift into drive(D) or reverse(R). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 29, 2025CA

Driving down the 99Freeway at speeds approx. Up to 72mph, my abs,traction, and brake lights illuminated at the same time on my dash. I pushed on my brake pedal in order to slow down and pull over, my brake pedal was extremely hard to push in and no matter how hard I pushed it didn't appear to be slowing the vehicle down. I pushed on the emergency brake slowly to help slow down safely and was able to get pulled over. I turned the car off and proceeded to call a friend for help. My friend suggested that I start the vehicle back up and see if I was comfortable enough to continuing to drive it to get myself off of the freeway, which I did. Then when I got off the freeway, I noticed all the lights had gone off and the car felt like it was driving normal again. I proceeded home. The following day my check engine light came on saying to check hybrid system. After being informed to clear the check engine to reset everything my car seemed fine. Then approximately 3 weeks later the abs, traction and brake light came back on and I had difficulty braking. This time and alarm started beeping inside my car as well, the check engine light saying traction battery is not charging and my vehicle does not want to stop. I've been researching different forums online and I'm seeing a numerous amount of other Toyota and Lexus owners with very similar complaints with their cars as well. I've replaced my brake pads, replaced my 12v battery and key fob battery as well. So far I still have no brakes an

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 28, 2025GA

Hydraulic pump problem

Service Brakes
Filed Dec 16, 2024MA

The brake booster and pump are a known issue for all CT200 models 2011-2013. The brakes do not work as intended which is a safety issue. The attached file is acknowledgement by Lexus that this is an issue. Though they are not covering the problem

Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2024CA

Early morning cold start in open loop engine starts to rattle and knock. Cleaned out EGR system, including intake manifold. Engine still rattles and knocks. Swapped out ignition coils and fuel injectors with new still and still the same thing. DTC sets after a week of troubleshooting for P0303, P0301, and P0300. Switched cylinder ignition coils and fuel injectors from cylinder 1 to 2 and 3 to 4. Same DTC sets after drive cycle. Leak down test confirms cylinder 3 has head gasket leak. Registration was just paid and was going to have it smog test. Unable to pass smog due to check engine light. I had went to Lexus dealer to have them update my car for EGR update according to TSB (see attachment) but they wouldn’t do it unless I pay $300 SMFH!!! What a day! Which engineer suggested this stupid design?!?! And wtf the EGR cooler, more like a heater, has coolant running into housing which raises the engine coolant temp. Exhaust gas may go up to a temp of 600 degrees!! Look at live data and monitor catalyst temp from OBD2. This design was to intentionally cause a head gasket failure. Blades in EGR cooler gets clogged with carbon build up, where carbon will eventually break up into chunks/pebbles that will cause pre-ignition during compression stroke, pinging the engine which will result in misfires and damage the catalyst. One of the worst designs I’ve ever encountered as a car owner. This is ridiculous that this issue has been brought up countless times from thousands of testimony’s

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 1, 2024FL

Dash lit up like a xmas tree; braking became immediately unpredictable, spongy, and difficult to stop the car. error code c1391.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 27, 2024CA

My Ct200h has now recently started to leak fluid from the brake system has started to malfunction due to this known problem by Lexus on their 2013 CT200h brake booster/master cylinder as well as the actuator system problem which they had previously put out a statement for. This is absolutely incomprehensible the scope of a dangerous situation this could have put my family in. Imagine if the brakes would have fully malfunctioned and I slammed into the back of a 18- wheeler, the whole top of this car is coming off including everyones heads in the car. I hope this reaches a competent individual who understands the scope of the malfunctioning in the brake system. This is supposed to slow a 2 ton car going from 65 mph to 0 at any instance, if the system malfunctions at the wrong time LIVES ARE PUT AT RISK. I have full service records through the dealer and constantly do routine maintenance with the dealer. I am highly disappointed in with this matter.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 5, 2024CA

There is a noise I am hearing while breaking which is the actuator trying to build pressure, but the pressure is being leaked out of the accumulator in the brake master cylinder, all of the “Brake” and “ABS” lights come on and you will hear the actuator about every three seconds or so. This is a dangerous mechanism which has been known already on a multitude of these same models. Please fix this, as it could have been a dangerous situation this vehicle could have put my family in.

Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2022CT

At about 165-170,000 miles Lexus dealer advised leaking oil from timing chain area. Apparently it is a known issue from this engine (both CT200h and Prius) suffer from this issue. Didn't realize there is a TSB but since way out of warranty and not a recall they offered to fix for $3500. Hard to see the leak as it is in the timing chain area so it rarely comes out of the engine itself. This should be something that Lexus/Toyota should advise their customers. Few months later car was totaled in an accident so I got rid of it.

Engine
Filed Nov 27, 2022FL

I have to replace my 2013 Ct engine. When I started it, there was a horrible knocking noise. This came as a surprise, as it was fine the day before. I had it towed to Lexus. I was told that there was no oil in the engine and it needs to be replaced. What????? 1. No warning light came on 2. I had an oil change recently ( within the 5K scheduled maintenance). I was quoted a price of $6960.35 to replace the engine with an engine with around 92K miles ( about the same as what I have). I did some investigation and called Lexus customer engagement. I reached out to Lexus. They offered me $1500 towards the repair. The car is still in the shop. Owners of the CT200h have reportedly been told by Lexus dealers that this is regular oil consumption. However, Toyota did issue a technical service bulletin for these engines. However, they only did so for the ones installed in the Prius and had the same problem. Overall, CT200h owners were left hanging with an engine that uses an incredible amount of oil. I was told in a forum of Lexus owners ( discussion group) to contact this organization for help on this matter. Please investigate this issue.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 17, 2022FL

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER A LOUD NOISE THE bottom of the vehicle went on fire. we called the fire department who put out the fire. After looking at the bottom I notice that the crankcase had a big hole. it seems that a valve went right through the cracnkcase. resulting in hot engine oil going on fire. The car is only 5 months old and Carmax will not pay for the repair which could cost me 5,000 dollars. I paid 27,000 for the car.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 8, 2022TX

UNKNOWN: However, the engine is using 2 quarts of oil in less than 100 miles of traveling. It has been taken to the dealer several times for this problem of. Using oil through the engine with no leaks in the oil pan.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 1, 2022IL

LED headlights are pointed downward and is set with auto leveling to adjust. The distance you can see isn't far enough and these need to be higher. There is no way to adjust these LED lights. With the halogen bulbs you have a level option to raise or lower. You do not with LEDs factory fitted.

Engine
Filed Apr 19, 202187,000 milesNC

PRIOR TO A LONG TRIP WE HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND FLUIDS TOPPED OFF WHEN WE ARRIVED TO OUR DESTINATION THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO OIL IN THE CAR, NO OIL LEAKS JUST A COMPLETE BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING WE NEVER SAW THE OIL LEAVING THE CAR, THIS HAS HAPPENED ON ALL OUR TRIPS AND WE ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS OIL IN THE CAR , UPON ARRIVING TO A DESTINATION THERE WILL BE NO OIL LEFT. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE OIL BLOWING OUT OF THE CAR

Service Brakes
Filed Apr 7, 2021FL

ABS BRAKE ACTUATOR IS FAILING AND MAKING A LOUD NOISE WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE FOR LEXUS. CONTACTED LEXUS DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE CAR IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY RECALLS OR WARRANTY EXTENSIONS.

Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 31, 202160,000 milesMD

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 2013 LEXUS CT200. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP NOT ALLOWING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO BE DEPRESSED. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE RAN INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED A BROKEN COLLAR BONE, BROKEN LEFT HAND, AND A BROKEN FEMUR BONE. THE CONTACT DID RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO A JUNKYARD. THE CONTACT WAS RELATING THIS ISSUE TO THE REPAIRS TO THE LEFT CONTROL ARM PRIOR TO CRASHING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2020132,000 milesWA

2013 LEXUS CT200H WITH 132,000 MILES. MADE A LOUD METALLIC SOUND WHILE TRYING TO START. TOWED TO LEXUS. AGREED TO $650 FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST. DIAGNOSED LOW COMPRESSION 'THE RINGS AND PISTONS WERE SHOT' AND NOT WORTH FIXING- OVER $8,000 TO REBUILD. TOLD ME THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN ON A CT200H BUT ADMITTED SERVICE BULLETIN FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. SERVICE REP WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A USED ENGINE DUE TO HIGH PROBABILITY OF RECURRENCE.

Engine
Filed Nov 22, 2020146,000 milesCA

WATER PUMP FAILED CAUSING THE COOLANT TO FLOOD A CYLINDER. LEADING TO A HEAD GASKET BLOWING OUT. IT ALSO WARPED THE HEAD BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE GARAGE AND DURING A COLD MORNING START. THE ENGINE HAD A MISFIRE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE ENGINE STARTED UP WITH A VIOLENT SHAKE AND WHITE SMOKE EXITED OUT FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND ENGINE BAY CLOUDING UP THE GARAGE. DURING A DRIVE THE ENGINE WITH SPUTTER WHEN DRIVING. THEN GOES AWAY AFTER YOU GIVE IT ENOUGH GAS. COOLANT WOULD DRAIN EVEN THOUGH IT'S TOPPED OFF.

Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2020FL

HAVE DONE OIL CHANGES MYSELF AND ALWAYS OBSERVED OIL USAGE BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. SO FAR I HAVE BEEN BURNING OIL. EVERY 2,000 MILES, THE CAR NEEDS A QUART TOP-UP. IF FOLLOWING THE 10,000 MILE OIL CHANGE INTERVAL, THIS CAR WOULD REQUIRE 5 QUARTS TO AVOID A SEIZED OR BLOWN ENGINE.

Engine
Filed Aug 9, 202086,500 milesNM

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. MORE THAN 3 QUARTS REQUIRED BETWEEN REGULAR OIL CHANGES. NO VISIBLE LEAKS..

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 20, 202070,000 milesMD

: _TIRE MALFUNCTION - IN MOTION - IN NEIGHBORHOOD - WHILE TURNING. *TR

Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2020UT

MY 2013 LEXUS CT200H IS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. IT STARTED AROUND THE 90K MARK AND IS CONTINUALLY BURNING MORE, AND MORE OIL AS I PUT MORE MILES ON IT. I'M RUNNING THE RECOMMENDED SYNTHETIC OIL SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH 47K ON IT, AND I GO 7K MILES BETWEEN CHANGES. ON THE LEXUS FORM I'M LEARNING THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM! THIS ENGINE IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ENGINE TOYOTA, RECALLED IN THE RAV4, SCION, AND OTHER MODELS FOR THIS VERY ISSUE! I KNOW ITS A HUGE EXPENSIVE RECALL BUT TOYOTA NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING TO KEEP MY BUSINESS, AND THE BUSINESS OF OTHERS.

Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2019120,000 milesCA

THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY RATTLED/SHUDDERS VIOLENTLY UPON INITIAL START AND RANDOMLY SHAKES VIOLENTLY ON THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO VEER OFF THE ROAD EVERY TIME IT VIOLENTLY SHAKES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. LEXUS DEALERSHIP REPORTED RANDOM ENGINE CYLINDER MISFIRES; AND A THREE-DAY PHYSICAL OBSERVATION AFTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REMOVAL SHOWS: UNEXPLAINED INTERNAL COOLANT LEAK. COLLANT LEAKING INTO CYLINDER 4. CYLINDER 1 ALSO WET AND MUDDY LOOKING. AND DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF FORECASTED REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENT WHICH COULD EITHER BE THE CYLINDER $4K OR AN ENTIRELY NEW ENGINE 17K IF THE CYLINDER REPLACEMENT FAILS TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. NO LEXUS ENGINE SHOULD FAIL LIKE THIS, IT'S A HYBRID WITH HYBRID TECHNOLOGY, IT RELIES ON BATTERY HALF THE TIME. AN ENGINE FROM LUXURY BRANK LIKE LEXUS SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 125K MILES. THIS CAR IS A LEMON. NUMEROUS PRIUS AND LEXUS OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL LEXUS CONSUMER FOR 15 YEARS. APPARENTLY LEXUS RECEIVED J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATE'S MOST DEPENDABLE VEHICLE AWARD FOR THE 7TH YEAR IN A ROW FOR 2019 AND RANKED HIGHEST OVERALL AMONG ALL OTHER LUXURY CAR BRANDS' NOT WITH MY LEXUS, IT'S JUNK AND UNSAFE! EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, LEXUS!

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 14, 201980,000 milesCO

ON 9/13/2019 I EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF BRAKING POWER WHILE APPLYING BRAKES ON AN UNEVEN/POTHOLED CITY ROAD SURFACE WHILE APPROACHING A STOP WITH VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME. THIS LOSS OF BRAKING POWER NEARLY RESULTED IN COLLISION. THE LOSS OF BRAKING POWER HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT UNTIL NOW HAS NOT RESULTED IN A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. I DISCOVERED THAT DRIVERS OF BOTH THE CT200H AND PRIUS INDICATE LOSS OF BRAKING POWER WHEN APPLYING BRAKES ON UNEVEN SURFACES SUCH AS POTHOLES, SPEED BUMPS, OR MANHOLES THAT ARE NOT LEVEL WITH THE SURROUNDING ROAD SURFACE. THIS LOSS OF POWER IS OFTEN REPORTED AS ACCELERATION, THOUGH THE MORE LIKELY EXPLANATION (SEE ATTACHMENT) IS THAT DECELERATION IS INTERRUPTED DUE TO SLOW HANDOFF OF REGENERATIVE BRAKING TO FRICTION BRAKING. PREVIOUS REPORTS OF BRAKING ANOMALIES HAVE BEEN FILED WITH NTSB FOR THE LEXUS CT200H, WHICH USES THE SAME REGENERATIVE BRAKING SYSTEM AS THE TOYOTA PRIUS. A DRIVER WHO COLLECTED DATA REGARDING THIS ISSUE STATES: "THE SPEED SENSOR DATA FROM EACH WHEEL ALSO COMES AT ABOUT 60 HZ. ONE WOULD THINK WITH THIS KIND OF DATA RATE THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE ABLE TO ADD IN FRICTION BRAKING FAST ENOUGH (AFTER GOING OVER A BUMP WHILE BRAKING AND REDUCING REGEN BRAKING), SAY IN A SMALL FRACTION OF A SECOND, SO THAT THE DRIVER WON'T HAVE TO EXPERIENCE THE MANY SECONDS OF SENSATION OF LOSS OF BRAKING, IF TOYOTA BOTHERED TO REFINE THE ALGORITHM." A REVIEW OF BRAKING RELATED INCIDENT REPORTS FOR BOTH THE TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS CT200H MA

Engine
Filed May 1, 2019CA

THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY RATTLED/SHUDDERS VIOLENTLY UPON INITIAL START FOR ABOUT 20-30 SECONDS, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. DRIVING, ACCELERATION, AND FUEL ECONOMY HAS DECREASED/WORSENED. A MECHANIC IN SANTA MONICA STATED THAT THE OBD READINGS SHOW RANDOM ENGINE'S CYLINDERS MISFIRES; AND A THREE-DAY PHYSICAL OBSERVATION AFTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REMOVAL SHOWS: UNEXPLAINED COOLANT OIL CONTAMINATION ISSUES, OIL MIXED WITH COOLANT AT EXPANSION TANK, RAW FUEL ON CYLINDERS, FUEL BLOW BY, AND REPEATED SPARK PLUGS BURNING AFTER EACH REPLACEMENT. AND DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF FORECASTED REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIANS RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE WHOLE ENGINE UNIT. WE'RE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, LEXUS!

Suspension
Filed Nov 26, 2017CA

SHOCKS AND STRUTS REPLACEMENT UNAVAILABLE- SHOCKS ARE LEAKING WITHIN 50,000 MILES. SERVICE COUNTER KEEPS REMINDING US THAT WE NEED TO CHANGE OUT THE PARTS. MECHANIC NOTED THAT ALL 4 IS LEAKING. I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN 2015 OF JANUARY. VEHICLE IS A 2013 MODEL. PREVIOUS OWNER WAS LOCATED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. SO WITH THIS HOW CAN IT ALREADY STARTED LEAKING? THIS LED TO POOR HANDLING AND FASTER WORN TIRES. I HAVE SEARCH ENDLESSLY FOR REPLACEMENT PARTS AND NOT EVEN ONE AFTERMARKET COMPANY CARRIES REPLACEMENT PARTS. I HAVE YET TO TRY LEXUS DEALERSHIP AS THEY CHARGE AN ARM AND A LEG FOR PARTS AND LABOR.

Engine
Filed Nov 21, 2017133,000 milesCA

VIOLENT SHUDDER/SHAKING OF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE CT200H IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION THE ENGINE PERIODICALLY SHAKES VIOLENTLY SOMETIMES UP TO 30 SECONDS THEN IT GOES AWAY. IT HAPPENED ON COLD OR HOT STARTS. THE EGR HAS BEEN CLEANED FROM CARBON BUILD UP, HAS NEW SPARK PLUGS AND COILS ARE GOOD. I HAVE LATELY BEEN NOTICING COOLANT LOSS. NUMEROUS PRIUS AND LEXUS OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON WITH CODE P0301 "CYLINDER 1 MISFIRE."

Air Bags
Filed Nov 18, 201746,300 milesFL

HORN STOPPED WORKING WHEN STEERING WHEEL IN STRAIGHT POSITION. WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED TO THE RIGHT THE HORN WORKS. WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED TO THE LEFT , THE HORN WORKS IN CERTAIN POSITIONS BUT IS NOT CONSISTENT. THIS CREATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT YOU CANNOT USE THE HORN TO WARN OTHER CARS OR PEDESTRIANS. NOTICED THE HORN ISSUES IN THE BEGGING OF NOVEMBER 2017. NOT SURE HOW LONG THE HORN WAS BROKEN BEFORE THAT.

Service Brakes
Filed May 24, 201755,651 milesWI

THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR QUIT WORKING FOR A SECOND WHEN BRAKING OVER ROUGH SPOTS SUCH AS POT HOLES OR SPEED BUMPS. BUT, OF COURSE, NOT ALWAYS. IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR WANTS TO ACCELERATE WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 15, 201625,000 milesFL

CAR SURGES WHEN BRAKING AND GOING OVER SPEED BUMP, TRAIN TRACKS, POT HOLES GOING BETWEEN 20 - 35 MILES. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 5-6 TIMES SINCE WITH 1/14 HAPPENING I HAVE HAD THE CAR. I HAVE ASKED FOR LEXUS OF PALM BEACH TO DO HEALTH CHECK, BRAKE CHECK AND ALL SYSTEMS ARE OK, BUT SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT. JUST WORRIED THAT WHEN CAR SURGES, ME AND/OR MY FAMILY OR PASSENGERS GET INJURED

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Oct 25, 20157,200 milesTX

AS I WAS DRIVING INTO A TURN FROM A COMPLETE STOP IN THE TURN LANE ON A CITY STREET, MY CAR SURGED FORWARD AND THE BRAKES DIDN'T RESPOND. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 7, 201537,000 milesCA

SINGLE VEHICLE ROLLOVER APROX. 75MPH ON HIGHWAY.. VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED WITH EXTREME FORCE ON ALL SIDES AND TOP OF VEHICLE. DRIVERS LEFT SHOULDER AND FACE WHERE INJURED DURING THE IMPACT AND ROLL. SIDE CURTAIN DEPLOYMENT WOULD HAVE SAVED DRIVER FROM INJURY IF THEY WHERE WORKING PROPERLY.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 6, 2015VA

THE WHITE RUNNING LIGHTS ON THE REAR END OF SOME LEXUS MODELS ARE HAZARDOUS. WHITE LIGHTS INDICATE AN ONCOMING VEHICLE, SO REAR WHITE RUNNING LIGHTS VIOLATE THAT RULE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING BEHIND THESE VEHICLES IN FAIR WEATHER CONDITIONS AND HAD MOMENTARY CONFUSION, SO I IMAGINE THAT IN POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS, THIS COULD REALLY CAUSE A PROBLEM. PLEASE CONSIDER PROHIBITING THE PLACEMENT OF WHITE RUNNING LIGHTS ON THE REAR END OF VEHICLES. THANK YOU. *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 19, 20157,600 milesSC

STARTING COLD. FOOT ON BRAKE. PUSH START BUTTON. DASH STUFF LIGHTS UP BUT CAR DOES NOT START. TAKE FOOT OFF BRAKE AND DEPRESS GAS PEDAL. CAR STARTS. IT WILL STALL IF LEFT TO RUN WITH FOOT OFF GAS PEDAL.EASY TO RESTART BY DEPRESSING GAS PEDAL AND NO FOOT ON BRAKE. DOES THIS CONSISTENTLY. TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND THEY CHANGED THE OIL BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 17, 20152,847 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LEXUS CT. WHILE COASTING INTO AN ELEVATED DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,847. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ UPDATED 6/24/2015*JS

Structure
Filed Feb 3, 20159,817 milesCA

I HAD PLACED MY TOLL ROADS TRANSPONDER (APPROX. 4"X4"X1/2') ON THE DASH IN FRONT OF THE CLOSED NAVIGATION PANEL. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE, THE NAVIGATION PANEL OPENED AUTOMATICALLY AND THE TRANSPONDER SLID UNDER THE PANEL, PREVENTING THE PANEL FROM OPENING OR CLOSING ALL OF THE WAY. I WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE TRANSPONDER SO I TOOK IT TO MY LEXUS DEALER WHO TOLD ME SINCE IT WAS NOT A "WARRANTY ITEM", IT WOULD COST $140/HR TO REPAIR. IT IS A DESIGN DEFECT - ANYTHING SMALL WILL SLIDE UNDER THE NAVIGATION PANEL WHEN IT OPENS AND WILL JAM THE UNIT. *TR

Structure › Body1 injured
Filed Oct 14, 201416,900 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE SUNROOF ON MY 2013 LEXUS CT200H EXPLODED WITH A DEAFENING BANG. WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP, AC RUNNING, SUNROOF CLOSED. I WAS NOT NEAR A BRIDGE, NOR WAS SOMEONE NEXT TO ME WHO COULD HAVE THROWN SOMETHING. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO THE LEXUS DEALER IN AUSTIN TEXAS, BUT THEY DENIED THERE WAS A PROBLEM ("SOMETHING MUST HAVE HIT IT" THEY SAID, ALTHOUGH I ASKED WHY THE REMAINING GLASS WAS BOWED OUTWARD, FOR WHICH THEY DIDN'T HAVE AN ANSWER), AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE SUNROOF UNDER WARRANTY (ITS A 2013, WITH ABOUT 17K MILES). I HAD A FRIEND WHO HAD A LEXUS SERVICED THERE YESTERDAY (AFTER I'D GONE) TO ASK THE SAME DEALER IF THEY'VE HEARD OF IT, AND THE SERVICE TECH SAID YES THEY DEFINITELY KNEW, YET THEY DIDN'T ADMIT THAT TO ME. ON THE CONTRARY, THE LEXUS REP SAID "WE DON'T SEE RECORD OF THIS HAPPENING TO THIS VEHICLE." THIS IS HAPPENING TO SEVERAL MAKES/MODELS, AND BEEN REPORTED HERE, SO IT MAY BE THE GLASS (CHEAP FROM CHINA?) AND NOT A ROOF-DESIGN PROBLEM. IN ANY CASE, ITS DEADLY AND WHO KNOWS HOW MANY HAVE ALREADY DIED, BUT NO ONE KNEW IT WAS THAT THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED AND SPRAYED THEIR EYES WITH SHATTERED GLASS, CAUSING THEM TO ROLL OVER, TO HIT ONCOMING TRAFFIC, A POLE, OR A TREE. AND IN THE JUMBLE OF CAR PARTS AND BODY PARTS, IT WASN'T OBVIOUS THE ROOF EXPLODING WAS WHY IT HAPPENED. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 15, 20135,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LEXUS CT HYBRID (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED THE BRAKES DISENGAGED WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Apr 23, 201322 milesTX

DESIGN DEFECT: TURN SIGNAL FAILS TO CANCEL AFTER A SWEEPING TURN (E.G., RIGHT OR LEFT TURN FROM 2ND LANE, OR A "CORNER CUT" YIELD-TYPE TURN). SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT A NON-CANCELLED TURN SIGNAL CAN THEN CAUSE OTHER DRIVERS TP BELIEVE YOU WILL BE TURNING, WHEN NO SUCH TURN IS CONTEMPLATED. THIS VEHICLE EMPLOYS "PROGRESSIVE STEERING", WHICH MEANS THAT STEERING WHEEL ROTATION IS PROGRESSIVELY MAGNIFIED IN THE TURN OF THE FRONT WHEELS. IT APPEARS THIS MINIMAL STEERING WHEEL MOVEMENT REQUIRED FOR A SWEEPING TURN WAS NOT CONTEMPLATED IN THE PLACEMENT OF THE TURN SIGNAL CANCELLATION MECHANISM ON THE STEERING COLUMN. BEST SOLUTION WOULD BE TO REPOSITION THE AUTO-CANCELLATION TABS SO THAT ALL TURNS WOULD PROPERLY CANCEL. SECONDARY -- EASIER & CHEAPER -- REMEDY WOULD BE TO ADD A PROFOUNDLY AUDIBLE INTERIOR SIGNAL FOR A SIGNAL LEFT UNCANCELLED FOR GREATER THAN (20?) SECONDS. *TR

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Mar 21, 20132,300 milesCA

I RECENTLY PURCHASED THE CT200 HYBRID AND I NOTICED AT NIGHT AND DURING LOW-LIGHT PERIODS OF THE DAY, THE WINDSHIELD SPLITS LIGHTS (TAILLIGHTS, HEADLIGHTS, STREET LAMPS, AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS) INTO 3 IMAGES WITH ONE DISTINCT LIGHT IN THE MIDDLE AND A GHOST ABOVE AND BELOW. THE 3 IMAGES MERGE INTO ONE WHEN I AM CLOSER TO THE RESPECTIVE LIGHT. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE SHOP FOREMAN WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE WITH MY CAR AND HIS OWN PERSONAL CT200HYBRID. I ASKED FOR A CT AS A LOANER TO SEE IF IT WAS JUST MY CAR, BUT THE DISTORTION ALTHOUGH LESS SEVERE, WAS STILL THERE. THE DEALERSHIP HAD NO SOLUTION AND DIRECTED ME TO OPEN AN ACTIVITY THROUGH CORPORATE OFFICE. THE CORPORATE INITIALLY HAD NOTHING TO OFFER, CLAIMING THE DISTORTION TO BE A "CHARACTERISTIC" NOT A DEFECT. THIS CHARACTERISTIC WAS NOT MADE EXPLICITLY KNOWN TO ME AT THE TIME OF THE PURCHASE. AFTER MUCH DELIBERATION, LEXUS OFFERED TO REPLACE MY WINDSHIELD WITH THE LOANER CAR THAT I HAD TAKEN HOME BECAUSE IT HAD LESS DISTORTION. INSTEAD OF REPLACING IT WITH A NEW WINDSHIELD, THIS WAS THEIR "ONE-TIME COURTESY" OFFER. THIS IS NOT A CHARACTERISTIC, IT IS A DEFECT. IT IS VERY DISTRACTING, SEEING TRIPLE LAYERS OF LIGHTS, AND ULTIMATELY UNSAFE TO BE ON THE ROADS AT NIGHT. *TR

All 45 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2013
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20163000Routine
201516000Routine
201419000Routine
2013 — this page45010Routine
201243000Routine
201122000Routine

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.