Brake complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
received CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 24LE01 NOTIFICATION for issues related to Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies. Indicator lights, such as Master Warning Light (Yellow) and SLOP Indicator (Yellow) have appeared while reversing out of a parking spot when no water puddles are present and moving foward (clear day/road) where the vehicle doesn't catch the gear to move initially. Once braking, the system seems to reset itself and allows for a "normal drive". The experience is intermittent, and not often- the dashboard warning lights come on infrequently and is not consistent. Lexus Dealer/Service Shop advised a charge of $145 to look for diagnostic codes C1391, C1252, C1256, C1253. …
I noticed that the brakes felt a bit weird when engaged. I felt a touch on the brakes and heard as if the abs pump was pumping. Thinking it was something of a fluke, I didnt pay any further attention to it. After not driving the car for couple of days, when I turned on the car a day ago the warning (!, brake, ABS, and traction control lights) are all lit up on my 2015 Lexus CT200h. After doing some research, I have found an old recall for Lexus CT200 H for (2011-2014) see (L-SB-0009-210) from May 11,2021 letter online. A code scan revealed a C1391 error, indicating an abnormal leak in the accumulator. This ABS module is the same as the recalled Toyota ABS module. Please this could be dangerous to me and my family.
The vehicle's Brake Booster Pump Assembly and Brake Accumulator are exhibiting signs of imminent failure. While the vehicle is in "READY" mode and stationary (in Park), the brake booster pump cycles on and off at an abnormally high frequency (every 15-30 seconds). Additionally, an audible hissing or "squawking" noise can be heard from the brake actuator assembly after the pump cycles, indicating an internal pressure leak within the accumulator. This condition creates a significant safety hazard. If the brake booster pump fails due to this excessive cycling caused by the internal leak, the vehicle will experience a sudden loss of power braking assist. This would result in an unexpectedly hard brake pedal and significantly increased stopping distances, drastically increasing the risk of a crash. …
The brake accumulator loosing pressure for the brake booster and abs, the actuator will buzz every few seconds trying to keep pressure in the braking system to a safe operating level of gas pressure. It isn't holding pressure due to this leak in the actuator. This is a very serious issue which endangers the lives of others due this brake failure is not being fully addressed. There is not much stopping distances 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, and the car has little to no brakes. This can lead to a major accident. …
The contact owns a 2013 Lexus CT 200H. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the cruise control activated, the brake pedal was depressed and the ABS, traction control, and master warning lights illuminated. The message "Check ABS System" was displayed. The cruise control feature then became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who retrieved DTC: C1391, indicating an abnormal leak in the brake actuator accumulator; however, the contact was unaware of which parts needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the transmission later failed to shift into drive(D) or reverse(R). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
A 2013 Lexus CT200h with approximately 122,291 miles developed repeated ticking/pump-cycling noises from the braking system. Shortly afterward, multiple brake/ABS/VSC warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Lexus dealer, where technicians diagnosed failure of the brake booster/master cylinder assembly and brake booster pump assembly. Diagnostic trouble codes C1391, C1252, C1256, and C1253 were recorded. The dealer advised that the vehicle should not be driven until repaired because of the brake-system condition. Lexus previously established Customer Support Program 21LE01 for this same brake booster and brake booster pump condition on certain CT200h vehicles, including these diagnostic trouble codes. …
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 perhaps because there are several more Prius on the road than this rare Lexus CT200h. There are no external brake fluid leaks involved. for this actuator. …
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 vehicles on the road compared to the less common Lexus CT200h. A simple search for "C1391 danger" will yield substantial information on the topic. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexus CT years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (19), 2012 (11), 2014 (11), 2011 (9) and 2015 (9) model years. Brake complaints make up 43% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Lexus CT brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Lexus CT model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Lexus CT brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 50% happened 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.