Lexus CT Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 5, 2026 · 147 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 147 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Lexus CT, across 6 model years (2011–2016). The 2013 model year has the most complaints (44). The most reported problem area overall is service brakes.

Lexus CT
Lexus CT. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Peak: 2013, with 44 complaints
2011: 222011222012: 432012432013: 442013442014: 192014192015: 162015162016: 320163

n = 147 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Lexus CT years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CT year: 2012, 2013. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2013 CT: 44 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2012 CT: 43 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2011 CT: 22 complaints, 0 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2016 CT: 3 complaints, 0 recalls
  2. 2015 CT: 16 complaints, 0 recalls
  3. 2014 CT: 19 complaints, 0 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common Lexus CT problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Service Brakes5863
Engine3541
Electrical System1761
Air Bags1256
Fuel/propulsion System740
Structure732
Power Train541
Vehicle Speed Control542
Electronic Stability Control (esc)420
Exterior Lighting420
Forward Collision Avoidance430
Suspension421
Wheels331
Service Brakes, Hydraulic220
Steering222
Visibility220
Visibility/wiper220
Engine and Engine Cooling110
Equipment111
Seat Belts110
Tires110

All Lexus CT model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2016 CT30—Electrical System
2015 CT160—Service BrakesFewer complaints than other years
2014 CT190—Service BrakesAbout as many complaints as other years
2013 CT440—Service BrakesFar more complaints than other years
2012 CT430—EngineFar more complaints than other years
2011 CT220—Service BrakesAbout as many complaints as other years

More from Lexus: all Lexus models · Lexus VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which Lexus CT years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2012 (43), 2013 (44) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical CT year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the Lexus CT?

Service Brakes, with 58 complaints across 6 model years.

How many recalls does the Lexus CT have?

0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.