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2012 Lexus CT Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 43 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Lexus CT, most often about the engine (35% of complaints, typically around 101,000 miles). It is the 2nd most complained-about CT model year since 2000.

Complaints43
Recalls0
Crashes reported3
Fires reported0
Injuries reported2

Most common 2012 Lexus CT problems

  1. Engine

    15 complaints · 35%

    Half of these problems showed up before 101,000 miles.

    Excessive oil consumption. I purchased the car january 7, 2021 and checked the oil on march 15, 2021 before a long trip and the oil didn't even register on the dipstick. I followed procedure before and up to checking the oil. I checked it when it was delivered and it was at the appropriate level.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2021, at 101,200 miles
    Several claims of shutter resulting in low power when leaving a stop. Because the engine turns off entering EV mode. In the corse of 20 seconds the car without notice until taking off entering ice engine operation a massive shutter happens that when lots of forward power. This is an issue when no issues noted waiting…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 112,000 miles

  2. Brakes

    11 complaints · 26%

    There is a well known flaw with toyota hybrids that toyota needs to address and fix. When you brake to come to a stop, if they car encounters bumps or potholes, the brake pressure will momentarily decrease and the car will surge forward. It does not appear to affect certain vehicles, but rather all hybrids. It can…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 20,000 miles
    2012 Lexus ct200h has the same brake booster, assembly issue all 3rd generation toyota prius's have. The ABS/brake system lights all come in, and brake functionality is limited. Attached is a scan of the issue, I have since called Lexus and notified them of the issue.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2020, at 193,000 miles

  3. Other or unspecified

    5 complaints · 12%

    The passenger side glass on my 2012 CT exploded for no particular reason a few days ago. I was on the highway doing about 65 MPH and I suddenly heard a loud 'boom' and the side window was gone... Completely gone. Nothing hit my car, no rocks, no bullets... No bricks. There was no one beside me and I was on I-81. Had I…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2013, at 20,000 miles
    Another ct200h driver reported a problem with the center console lid not closing properly due to the latch stuck in the open position. Same issue on my 2012 ct200h. Would be nice on a Lexus to have that problem researched and fixed... And let Lexus pay for the repair, not the owner. Problems of this type are more…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 39,874 miles

  4. Air bags

    4 complaints · 9%

    The contact owns a 2012 Lexus CT. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the contact's vehicle was struck by another vehicle in the front driver side wheel area. The driver side air bag deployed, but the passenger side air bag did not. The contact was injured and required medical assistance. A police report was not…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2015, at 19,100 miles
    Our horn stopped working. We were advised that this was a spiral cable assembly failure, and the airbags are likely affected. Toyota initiated a recall in 2014 for this part, however we are told our vehicle does not qualify for recall.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2017, at 93,000 miles

  5. Electrical

    3 complaints · 7%

    Complete loss of power in both the gas engine and in the hybrid electric engine while going 70 MPH,both the alarm systems-audible and dash went off. With no power I was able to get off the highway without crashing the car.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 12,700 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2012 Lexus CT recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

NHTSA defect investigations

Questions about the 2012 Lexus CT

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Lexus CT?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (15 complaints, typically around 101,000 miles); brakes (11 complaints); other or unspecified (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus CT have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2012 Lexus CT. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2012 a bad year for the Lexus CT?
It is the 2nd most complained-about CT model year since 2000, with 43 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Lexus CT years

Lexus CT problems by year