2011 Lexus CT Problems & Complaints

Average40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CT at the same age

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2011 Lexus CT with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the CT at the same age. The most reported problem area is the brakes (9 complaints, typically around 56,000 miles).

22complaints
0recalls
2crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2011 Lexus CT problems

  • Brakes~56,000 miles
    941%
  • Electrical system~15,000 miles
    418%
  • Engine & cooling
    418%
  • Air bags~86,000 miles
    314%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~50,000 miles
    314%
  • Other / not specified~120,000 miles
    314%
  • Steering~39,000 miles
    15%
  • Wheels & tires~32,000 miles
    15%
  • Lights
    15%
  • Speed control & acceleration
    15%

Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Lexus CT 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).

Best CT years: 2014, 2011, 2015. Years to avoid: 2013, 2012. Compare all years →

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2011 Lexus CT:

Pedestrian alert sounds

NHTSA investigation DP22005 · opened Jan 27, 2023 · closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V-063

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.

What 2011 Lexus CT owners say

Brakes

The contact owns a 2011 Lexus CT200H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and brake warning light and check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster and brake booster pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

Apr 2025

I was driving my Lexus ct200h and the traction control, brake light, and two other lights came on the dash. I took it in to Toyota and they indicated that this was a common problem with both Prius models and ct200h models. Their exact verbage in the service ticket was: TECH FOUND CODE C1391 ACCUMULATOR ABNORMAL SLOW LEAK REC ACTUATOR AND PUMP ASSEMBLY

Nov 2024

Electrical system

There is an issue with the brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies that causes this vehicle to brake poorly. These parts are known to malfunction in Lexus CT 200h models and recognized by Lexus/Toyota. This issue needs to be extended into a recall for the vehicle due to the danger it poses while braking. Lexus/Toyota have acknowledged the issue via their letter: Customer Support Program 21LE01. The original publication of this program was issued on May 20, 2021. Within the letter they recognize that these parts will commonly break down. They issued a brief coverage on vehicles affected. A primary coverage on vehicles prior to November 30, 2022, and a secondary coverage on vehicles within 10 years of operation and 150,000 miles. With the secondary coverage applying to whichever came first. As a secondary owner of this vehicle, I had no idea this letter had been sent out. …

Oct 2025

The horn quit working, but the alarm that came from the horn still works. I suspect it's the clock spring.

Nov 2025

Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2011 Lexus CT200H. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the ABS and brake warning light and check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the brake booster and brake booster pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was unknown.

Apr 2025

Car shakes and shutters and is very reluctant to accelerate at low speeds, even with gas pedal pressed down. Then acceleration kicks in and it wants to bolt off.

Jan 2023

2011 Lexus CT engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
1.8L 4-cyl hybridCVTFWD43 / 40 / 42

EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2011 Lexus CT a good car?

Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 CT rates average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the CT at the same age. It is one of the best CT years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Lexus CT?

The brakes — 9 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (4) and engine & cooling (4).

How many recalls does the 2011 Lexus CT have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2011 Lexus CT. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Lexus CT?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2011 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013 and 2012. See the full Lexus CT years comparison.

At what mileage do 2011 Lexus CT problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

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.