2012 Lexus CT recalls & problems

Recent owner complaints

• Sep 7, 2025Service brakes
  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 at the time of creation of said TSP only covered model years up to 10 years old. 2011-2013 CT200h models are not covered by this CSP. Furthermore due to the limited time period in which the CSP was active, many cars were not covered due to not developing fault codes at that time. Part prices alone to resolve this issue from the dealership are above $2000.
• Mar 23, 2025Service brakes
  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 Lexus dealer and independently by a certified mechanic, who repaired it. I contacted Lexus Customer Support for coverage under CSP 21LE01, but they denied it due to the 10-year time limit, even though my vehicle was within the 150,000-mile limit. Dealer estimated ~$4,600; I had it repaired independently for $2,000, sourcing parts online at ~50% of dealer pricing. This is a safety-critical defect…
• Apr 9, 2025Service brakes
  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.
• Feb 19, 2025Service brakes
  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 confirming coverage for this issue in vehicles of this model year. However, the Lexus dealership and service advisors refuse to acknowledge this coverage and saying that it is expired. Therefore, I require guidance on how to proceed with resolving this matter.
• Dec 8, 2024Service brakes
  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 system, ultimately failing due to the leak. Numerous articles addressing this concern are available online, highlighting its significance as a safety issue. Many owners have successfully had Toyota replace the faulty part at no cost, thanks to the extended warranty covering a period of ten years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This may be attributed to the higher prevalence of Prius…
• Mar 1, 2024Service brakes
  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 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. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
• Jan 1, 2024Service brakes
  I, along with many other Lexus CT200H owners have had issues regarding the brakes on the vehicle. I have code: C1391 as reported on a diagnostic tool from Autozone. This has been an issue on my vehicle for months and I’ve read reports of this repair costing upwards to $3000!! Many of us do not have that kind of money to fix a vital function of the vehicle that rely on to keep us safe. If it’s a common and reoccurring issue, I believe it should continue being taken care of by the manufacturer. There was a recall in the past, but it isn’t fair for those who have had this issue after the recall and are responsible to pay this ridiculous amount afterwards!
• Jul 8, 2024Service brakes
  A 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 many 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…

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

• DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000Pedestrian alert sounds
  NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review…