Lexus CT Problems by Year

We compared every Lexus CT model year from 2011–2015 using 144 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2013 and 2012, which drew far more complaints than other CT years at the same age. The best years are 2014, 2011 and 2015.

5model years
144complaints
0recalls
2013, 2012worst years
2014, 2011best years

Complaints by model year

201120122013201420152243441916
Owner complaints per model year, Lexus CT. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
201516−33%—BrakeAverage
201419−53%—BrakeGood
2013442.3×—BrakeAvoid
2012432.1×—EngineAvoid
201122−40%—BrakeAverage

* Complaints compared with the median CT year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Lexus CT problems

  • Brakesworst: 2013
    5941%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2012
    3625%
  • Electrical systemworst: 2011
    1611%
  • Other / not specified
    1611%
  • Air bagsworst: 2012
    128%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2011
    75%
  • Body & structureworst: 2013
    75%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 2013
    53%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2012
    43%
  • Lightsworst: 2013
    43%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 2013
    43%
  • Suspensionworst: 2012
    43%
  • Stability & traction controlworst: 2012
    43%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2012
    43%
  • Driver assistanceworst: 2013
    43%
  • Steeringworst: 2011
    21%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2012
    11%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2012
    11%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Lexus CT should you avoid?

2013 and 2012 — these years have the most complaints relative to other CT years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 2013.

What is the best year for the Lexus CT?

2014 has the fewest complaints compared with other CT years at the same age, followed by 2011 and 2015. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Lexus CT problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (59), engine & cooling (36) and electrical system (16). Brake complaints peak in the 2013 model year.

How many recalls has the Lexus CT had?

0 recalls across 2011–2015.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.