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2012 Lexus CT problems

The most common problem on the 2012 Lexus CT is engine and cooling, typically around 101,200 miles. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical CT model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Year score
52/100
Owner complaints
43
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
30
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
42mpg

The worst 2012 Lexus CT problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    15
  • Brakes
    11
  • Airbags
    4
  • Electrical
    3
  • Body
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Wheels
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Lexus CT

Oil consumption 7ABS 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2012 Lexus CT mention

C1391 5

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Defect investigations

Pedestrian alert soundsOpened January 27, 2023, closed August 7, 2023

the federal safety agency received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, the federal safety agency opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified the federal safety agency he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by the federal safety agency regarding the subject matter of the petition.

DP22005

Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Lexus CT 30

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 30 bulletins for the 2012 Lexus CT

2012 Lexus CT fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.8L 4‑cyl HybridFWD434042

What 2012 Lexus CT owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 7, 2025 · Brakes · IA

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.

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · Brakes · TX

At ~101,000 miles, my 2012 Lexus CT200h triggered error code C1307, indicating a failure of the brake pressure accumulator / brake booster system. Prior warnings appeared via dashboard alerts. This caused reduced braking performance, creating a serious safety risk. The issue was confirmed by a Lexus dealer and independently by a certified mechanic, who repaired it. I contacted Lexus Customer Support for coverage under CSP 21LE01, but they denied it due to the 10-year time limit, even though my vehicle was within the 150,000-mile limit. Dealer estimated ~$4,600; I had it repaired independently for $2,000, sourcing parts online at ~50% of dealer pricing. This is a safety-critical defect acknowledged by Lexus under CSP 21LE01. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this defect to ensure Lexus extends proper coverage and prevents future safety risks for other owners.

Filed Apr 12, 2025 · Brakes · FL

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.

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Brakes · MS

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.

Filed Dec 13, 2024 · Brakes · LA

A prevalent issue observed in the Lexus CT200h and Toyota Prius V models is the internal leakage of brake accumulators, as they utilize identical part numbers. Consequently, the actuator emits a buzzing sound intermittently as it attempts to maintain the necessary gas pressure within the braking system, ultimately failing due to the leak. Numerous articles addressing this concern are available online, highlighting its significance as a safety issue. Many owners have successfully had Toyota replace the faulty part at no cost, thanks to the extended warranty covering a period of ten years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This may be attributed to the higher prevalence of Prius vehicles on the road compared to the less common Lexus CT200h. A simple search for "C1391 danger" will yield substantial information on the topic. It is disheartening, in my view and that of many others, that a problem posing a risk to public safety due to brake failure has not been adequately addressed. The sudden onset of this issue significantly reduces stopping distances. When it occurs, warning lights for ABS, traction control, and brakes illuminate simultaneously. Notably, there are no visible brake fluid leaks associated with this actuator. While Toyota provides coverage under the extended warranty, it appears that Lexus may not offer similar support, raising concerns about the safety implications discussed across various platforms.

Filed Nov 5, 2024 · Brakes · FL

The actuator will buzz every few seconds trying to keep pressure in the braking system to a safe operating level of gas pressure to no avail due to this leak in the actuator. After it quits buzzing from shutting the car off, you can hear the air leak hissing the pressure away. There is not much stopping distances when and after this suddenly occurs. In the process, the abs, traction control, brake, a yellow exclamation mark, lights suddenly all come on the dash at once and the brake feels like a sponge very suddenly. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems."" Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.

Filed Oct 20, 2024 · Brakes · TX

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!

Filed Jul 8, 2024 · Brakes · TX

A common problem with these Lexus ct200h, as well as Toyota Prius V models, are that the brake accumulators begin to leak internally, as they share the same part numbers. Therefore, the actuator will buzz every few seconds trying to keep pressure in the braking system to a safe operating level of gas pressure to no avail due to this leak in the actuator. After it quits buzzing from shutting the car off, you can hear the air leak hissing the pressure away. There are many articles on this issue online as this is a major safety concern. Many have had Toyota replace the part free of charge as well due to the extended 10 year, or 150k miles, in whichever comes first. warranty. This may be perhaps because there are several more Prius on the road than this rare Lexus CT200h. There are no external brake fluid leaks involved. for this actuator. Toyota covers it under extended warranty, although it appears as though Lexus does not(?), this is a major safety hazard and concern for a heavy amount on several different websites. The trouble code is: C1391. I called Lexus of Austin and was told there are no recalls, after looking up my VIN#. Searching for “c1391 danger” will yield many incidents of this. This is quite a serious issue that needs government interference. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Filed Jun 24, 2024 · Engine · IL

I am writing to bring to your attention a serious safety issue that occurred with my vehicle. While driving on the expressway, the engine oil burned and the oil warning light illuminated on the dashboard, posing a significant risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. Specifically, the engine oil system malfunctioned, causing a sudden and complete loss of engine lubrication. This incident can be verified through an inspection of the vehicle, which is available upon request. My safety and the safety of other motorists were severely compromised due to this malfunction. The sudden failure of the engine oil system could have resulted in a catastrophic engine failure, potentially leading to a loss of control of the vehicle at high speeds. Fortunately, I was able to safely pull over to the side of the road, but the situation could have been much worse. Upon experiencing the issue, I had the vehicle towed to Service Center where the problem was reproduced and confirmed by a certified mechanic. They conducted a thorough inspection and confirmed that the engine oil had indeed burned, leading to the illumination of the oil warning light. The inspection report from the service center is available for review. Additionally, I reported the incident to the vehicle manufacturer and my insurance company. Both entities have documented the issue, and I am awaiting further instructions on how to proceed. There has been no involvement from law enforcement as there was no accident or injury resulting from the incident. Prior to the failure, I did not notice any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms indicating a problem with the engine oil system. The warning light appeared suddenly while I was driving on the expressway, giving me no advance notice of the impending malfunction. Given the severity of this issue, I urge you to investigate this matter thoroughly to prevent any future occurrences. The safety of driver and passengers is of utmost importance.

Filed Mar 28, 2024 · Brakes · TX

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

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Questions about the 2012 Lexus CT

Is the 2012 Lexus CT reliable?

Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2012 Lexus CT, 1.9 times a typical CT model year.

What is the 2012 Lexus CT year score?

The 2012 Lexus CT scores 52 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Lexus CT: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Lexus CT?

Engine and cooling, with 15 complaints, typically around 101,200 miles. Next is brakes (11).

How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus CT have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Lexus CT get?

Official estimates for the 2012 Lexus CT range from 42 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.8L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 43 city and 40 highway.

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