2012 Lexus CT Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 7, 2025 · 43 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other CT years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 6 for complaints
Safety recalls
None on file
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Lexus CT. That ranks 2nd out of 6 CT model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (15 complaints, 35%), typically at around 101,200 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 2 injuries. There are no safety recalls on file for this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Lexus CT
Lexus CT. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2012 Lexus CT problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine15 · ~101,200 mi
Service Brakes11 · ~106,500 mi
Unknown or Other5 · ~70,537 mi
Air Bags4 · ~56,050 mi
Electrical System3 · ~14,350 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)2 · ~10,150 mi
Fuel/propulsion System2 · ~40,000 mi
Structure2 · ~17,750 mi
Suspension2 · ~2,121 mi
Equipment1 · ~10,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine1535%101,200——
Service Brakes1126%106,500——
Unknown or Other512%70,537——
Air Bags49%56,050——
Electrical System37%14,350——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)25%10,150——
Fuel/propulsion System25%40,000——
Structure25%17,750——
Suspension25%2,121——
Equipment12%10,000——
Power Train12%112,000——
Seat Belts12%16,100——
Tires12%———
Visibility12%41,000——
Visibility/wiper12%149,000——
Wheels12%300——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2013, with 7 complaints
2012: 1201212013: 7201372014: 2201422015: 2201522017: 5201752019: 2201922020: 7202072021: 2202122022: 3202232023: 2202322024: 6202462025: 420254

n = 43 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2012 Lexus CT recalls (0)

No safety recalls are on file for the 2012 Lexus CT.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Pedestrian alert sounds (DP22005) — opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023, led to recall 22V063000.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Service Brakes · received Sep 7, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11685591

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…

Service Brakes · received Sep 5, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11685335

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…

Service Brakes · received Apr 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11654277

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…

Service Brakes · received Feb 27, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11645312

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…

Service Brakes · received Dec 13, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11630491

Other Lexus CT years

← 2011 CT · 2013 CT →

YearComplaintsRecalls
2016 CT30
2015 CT160
2014 CT190
2013 CT440
2012430
2011 CT220

See all Lexus CT problems by year, every Lexus model, or the Lexus VIN decoder.

Similar Lexus models

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus CT?

Owners most often report engine, service brakes, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 15 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Lexus CT?

No safety recalls are on file for this model year.

Was the 2012 Lexus CT a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other CT model years, the 2012 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.