2012 Lexus CT: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 43 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (30% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
43
owner complaints
0
fire reports
40,000
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
No fire reportsNo recall campaignsWeak spot: engine (30%)
Common problems
Computed from 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Engine (engine mechanics)30% · 12 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)28% · 11 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)10% · 4 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)8% · 3 complaints
Equipment3% · 1 complaint
Seat Belts3% · 1 complaint
“The brake booster assembly has developed a leak in the pressure accumulator resulting in constant actuation to keep the pressure sufficient. Complete failure is impending with a C1391 code and loss of power brakes. Toyota has offered a CSP to address this issue but only for a very limited time and at the time of creation of said TSP only covered model years up to 10 years old. 2011-2013 CT200h models are not covered by this CSP. Furthermore due to the limited time period in which the CSP was active, many cars were not covered due to not developing fault codes at that time. Part prices alone to resolve this issue from the dealership are above $2000.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Sep 2025
“Brake failure while driving. The brake pedal went soft when pressed and all the associated warning lights illuminated. ABS, traction, control, etc. This is a known issue for Toyota and Lexus, and even after servicing my vehicle at the dealer for the last two years I was never notified that this was a concern.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2025
“My 2011-2013 Lexus CT200h exhibits malfunction indicator lamp illumination for the brake, ABS, and traction control systems, accompanied by diagnostic trouble code C1391. Research indicates this is a known manufacturing defect, and I possess documentation from the customer support program confirming coverage for this issue in vehicles of this model year. However, the Lexus dealership and service advisors refuse to acknowledge this coverage and saying that it is expired. Therefore, I require guidance on how to proceed with resolving this matter.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“the brake booster pump has gone out in the car, ive heard many others say the same thing and its all around the same milage 150k-175k”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2024
“I, along with many other Lexus CT200H owners have had issues regarding the brakes on the vehicle. I have code: C1391 as reported on a diagnostic tool from Autozone. This has been an issue on my vehicle for months and I've read reports of this repair costing upwards to $3000!! Many of us do not have that kind of money to fix a vital function of the vehicle that rely on to keep us safe. If it's a common and reoccurring issue, I believe it should continue being taken care of by the manufacturer. There was a recall in the past, but it isn't fair for those who have had this issue after the recall and are responsible to pay this ridiculous amount afterwards!”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jan 2024
“Engine has oil use and knocking sound that neither Lexus know what is wrong. A lot of Lexus owners are experiencing the same issues with no resolve. Lexus/Toyota needs to fix the issue with these years models.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2023
“Excessive oil consumption. I purchased the car january 7, 2021 and checked the oil on march 15, 2021 before a long trip and the oil didn't even register on the dipstick. I followed procedure before and up to checking the oil. I checked it when it was delivered and it was at the appropriate level.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“Excessive oil consumption. I purchased the car January 7, 2021 and checked the oil on March 15, 2021 before a long trip and the oil didn't even register on the dipstick. I followed procedure before and up to checking the oil. I checked it when it was delivered and it was at the appropriate level.”Owner report · Engine · Mar 2021
“2012 lexus ct200h has the same brake booster, assembly issue all 3rd generation toyota prius's have. The ABS/brake system lights all come in, and brake functionality is limited. Attached is a scan of the issue, I have since called lexus and notified them of the issue.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Oct 2020
“Took my car to toyota dealership. They said my car is burning oil. I have noticed my oil does burn up quickly, smells like gas upon the dipstick, I have seen no oil leaks. The dealership said they have seen this same issue with other similar models like in the prius. My car only has 82,000 miles. I baby this car and take for all the appropriate maintenance. This is very upsetting.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2020
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Engines1.8L
Cylinders4
FuelGasoline
Drive type4x2
Body stylesHatchback/Liftback/Notchback
How other years compare
Check your exact CT by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Lexus CT reliable?
NHTSA has 43 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Lexus CT. The most complained-about area is engine (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Lexus CT problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 40,000 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.