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.
Lexus CT abs comes on
27 of the 149 owner complaints about the Lexus CT describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 27
- worst model year
- 2014
By model year
Often reported together
Brake failure 10Check engine light 4Warning lights 3Spongy pedal 1Key fob 1Knocking 1Adaptive cruise 1
Trouble codes mentioned
C1391 13C1256 3C1253 3C1252 3
What owners say
Brake booster stopped working. Brake efficiency declined, ABS and stability control stopped working. Brake master cylinder and brake booster had to be replaced.
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 with another vehicle while turning at a street light. The brakes should have been more than enough to have stopped the vehicle in the moment, and the ABS should have kicked in when it sensed me attempting to come to a harsh stop. Once I had diagnosed the dashboard lights I received OBD2 code C1391. Indicating an issue with the Power Brake Booster. Seeing as the issue is recognized by Lexus/Toyota, and this issue posing danger while operating the vehicle, there should be a recall imposed.
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.
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.
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 .
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 tons and tons of 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. Just look up “c1391 danger” and see what comes up. In my opinion, as well as many, it is pathetic that an issue in which endangers the lives of others due this brake failure is not further addressed. 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, as it did me as I was driving today. There were no engine lights as I started my drive. 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. The trouble code is.: C1391. Also, I went to Sewell Lexus of Dallas today and was told there are no recalls, after looking my vin #. The service program had expired and there is nothing they can do for me. Please extend the program or issue a recall for this dangerous failure. The repair cost is substantial and should be covered for a known flaw.
I’m reporting a serious safety issue with my 2014 Lexus CT200h involving the brake booster and ABS pump/accumulator system. This issue is well-documented across Lexus CT200h and Toyota Prius V models, which use the same components. Lexus quietly issued a Customer Support Program (CSP) for the affected part but never notified me. I contacted Lexus and was told they “didn’t have to” notify all owners. After escalating, they claimed a letter was sent, but I confirmed my address and never received anything. Several months before the CSP expired, I noticed inconsistent brake response, a soft/spongy pedal, and warning lights: ABS, traction control, brake, and TPMS. I took the car to an independent mechanic who misdiagnosed it as a TPMS issue. Six months later, a loud chime began sounding repeatedly, unrelated to seatbelt use. I brought the car to Lexus of North Miami, where they diagnosed a failing ABS pump and accumulator — the exact components covered by the CSP. This is a critical safety failure. Loss of braking pressure compromises stopping distance and puts my safety and others at risk. Lexus refused assistance because the CSP expired, even though the problem began earlier and I sought help. Corporate and their Resolution Team were dismissive and unprofessional. The issue is reproducible and confirmed by a certified Lexus dealer. Thousands of drivers online report the same pattern: trouble code C1391, buzzing brake actuator, unexplained chimes, hissing noises after shutdown, and external fluid leaks. Some dealers reportedly told customers to disable the chime rather than investigate. Toyota Prius owners with the same part received repairs under warranty or recall — Lexus drivers did not. I urge the federal safety agency to investigate this defect before it leads to serious injury or death. This is not normal wear. It’s a known mechanical failure affecting a critical safety system. What makes this even more dangerous is that most owners won’t do the deep digging I did to connect it.
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.
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.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Lexus CT abs
Why does the abs come on in the Lexus CT?
Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, check engine light and multiple warning lights, and the codes they mention most are C1391, C1256 and C1253.
Which Lexus CT years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (8 complaints), 2013 (6 complaints) and 2012 (5 complaints).
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