2013 Lexus CT problems

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · CA

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)

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · PA

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.

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Brakes · FL

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

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Brakes · VA

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, collisions, injury, or death. Request: I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate Lexus’ denial of a safety-related repair and compel the manufacturer to honor the repair coverage under CSP 21LE01 for my vehicle.

Filed Oct 13, 2025 · Brakes · TX

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.

Filed Sep 23, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · 200,000 miles · AL

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.

Filed Aug 29, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · CA

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 and this is my only vehicle so I'm really hoping this turns out to be a recall or something cause I can't afford to do the repairs .

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · GA

Hydraulic pump problem

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Brakes · MA

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

Filed Jun 29, 2024 · Engine · CA

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 of same incident but not even a single word for these models. CT200h and Prius years 2012-2015 have this same dam problem and everyone knows this, even the CA BAR(Bureau of automotive repair). What is it that we as car owners, who abide by the law, and pay our fair share of taxes gets this “setup to fail” deal???