RoadVitals

2011 Lexus Ct Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
Latest Jan 30, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
9
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Lexus Ct, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Brakes933.3%
  • Electrical414.8%
  • Engine414.8%
  • Airbags311.1%
  • Fuel system311.1%
  • Steering13.7%
  • Exterior lighting13.7%
  • Other / unspecified13.7%
  • Driver assistance13.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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. I had purchased this car late 2022. Had there been a recall notice on these vehicles, I would have been able to speak to a service representative about getting this issue remedied. Seeing as my vehicle is at 143,273 miles and 14 years in use, I am no longer covered through the Customer Support Program 21LE01. During my years of operating this vehicle I have experienced issues when braking. While driving and braking over bumpy roads the vehicle's braking would feel less effective. A week before my vehicle's Brake, Brake System, ABS, and Traction Control lights came on, I nearly experienced a collision with another vehicle while turning at a street light. The brakes should have been more than enough to have stopped the vehicle in the moment, and the ABS should have kicked in when it sensed me attempting to come to a harsh stop. Once I had diagnosed the dashboard lights I received OBD2 code C1391. Indicating an issue with the Power Brake Booster. Seeing as the issue is recognized by Lexus/Toyota, and this issue posing danger while operating the vehicle, there should be a recall imposed.

NHTSA ID 11694414 · filed Oct 19, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID 11655185 · filed Apr 17, 2025
All 9 reports naming brakes

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 11714577 · filed Jan 30, 2026

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. I had purchased this car late 2022. Had there been a recall notice on these vehicles, I would have been able to speak to a service representative about getting this issue remedied. Seeing as my vehicle is at 143,273 miles and 14 years in use, I am no longer covered through the Customer Support Program 21LE01. During my years of operating this vehicle I have experienced issues when braking. While driving and braking over bumpy roads the vehicle's braking would feel less effective. A week before my vehicle's Brake, Brake System, ABS, and Traction Control lights came on, I nearly experienced a collision with another vehicle while turning at a street light. The brakes should have been more than enough to have stopped the vehicle in the moment, and the ABS should have kicked in when it sensed me attempting to come to a harsh stop. Once I had diagnosed the dashboard lights I received OBD2 code C1391. Indicating an issue with the Power Brake Booster. Seeing as the issue is recognized by Lexus/Toyota, and this issue posing danger while operating the vehicle, there should be a recall imposed.

NHTSA ID 11694414 · filed Oct 19, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11655185 · filed Apr 17, 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.

NHTSA ID 11503914 · filed Jan 27, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

[XXX], I HAVE A 2011 LEXUS ES350 AND HAVE HAD A LETTER FROM TOYOTA MOTOR SALES PUBLISHED MAY 23,2016. I HAVE CALLED LEXUS ON THIS RECALL AND KEEP GETTING A RUNAROUND OVERTIME I CALL AS TO WHEN I WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THEM ON THIS RECALL SINCE I RECEIVED THE RECALL FROM TOYOTA. I AM TRYING TO SELL MY LEXUS BECAUSE I NEED A TRUCK. WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO HAVE THIS RECALL TAKEN CARE OF? THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM THAT I CANNOT SELL MY LEXUS DUE TO THIS RECALL. [XXX] VIN # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10958843 · filed Mar 6, 2017

ON EXIT RAMP FROM I 70 TO I 270, THE OVERPASS WAS COVERED WITH ICE, SLID OFF THE ROAD AND INTO THE TREES HEAD ON. I QUESTIONED THE LEXUS COMPANY ABOUT THE AIR BAG(S) NOT DEPLOYING......UPDATED 03-11-15 *BF UPDATED 5/3/2016 *JS THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH A TREE - THE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10690700 · filed Feb 25, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I was driving my 2011 Lexus CT 200h and while driving my vehicle abruptly came to a stop in the middle of the road posing a safety risk to me and my passengers without warning. Up until this time, I had not received any "Check Engine" lights or any indication of failing units. At the time my car suddenly stopped, my gauge read 1/4 tank full. I was forced to call for roadside assistance and had to wait hours for a tow truck. Once transported for repair, the technician claimed it was a failed fuel tank sending unit that caused my car to stalled suddenly in the street. However, after researching other similar issues/instances I believe the sudden engine stall on a Lexus hybrid is almost certainly caused by an issue with the fuel pump or another critical fuel system component, not the sending unit resulting in this severe safety concern.

NHTSA ID 11685184 · filed Sep 5, 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.

NHTSA ID 11503914 · filed Jan 27, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

. ON THURSDAY, 11/7/13, I GOT INTO MY CAR TO GO TO WORK AND THE DASHBOARD GAUGE INDICATED THAT AIR PRESSURE IN ONE OF MY TIRES WAS LOW. I LOOKED BUT THEY APPEARED TO BE OK. I HEADED TO MY MECHANIC INTENDING TO STOP THERE ON THE WAY TO WORK. THE CAR PERFORMED NORMALLY ON THE STREETS AND THE HIGHWAY. MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE AS I ENTERED THE EXPRESSWAY DECELERATION LANE TO EXIT, CAR STILL FINE. I PROCEEDED DOWN THE EXIT RAMP, MY FOOT NEVER LEAVING THE BRAKE PEDAL, I APPLIED A BIT MORE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE WHICH INITIATED A "FLAT TIRE" , BUMPY SORT OF RIDE. I SLOWLY KEPT BRAKING ON THE EXIT RAMP WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, MADE A 90 DEGREE TURN TO THE RIGHT, STRAIGHT INTO A RETAINING WALL, THE CAR WENT UP THE WALL (OFFICER SAID THERE WAS A MARK ON THE WALL ABOUT 10-11 FEET UP), FLIPPED OVER AND LANDED ON IT'S WHEELS. I HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OF THE CAR, COULDN'T STEER OR STOP IT. NO KEY TO PULL OUT... PUSH BUTTON STARTER. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED A FRACTURED STERNUM , FRACTURED SACRUM (DUE TO MY WEIGHT ON THE SEAT BELT AS THE CAR HIT AND TUMBLED) PLUS OTHER INJURIES. CAR WAS TOTALED. YOU WOULD THINK FROM HITTING A WALL TO FLIPPING TOTALLY AROUND, SOMETHING WOULD TRIGGER AN AIRBAG TO CUSHION ME AGAINST BONE FRACTURES. AND THIS WAS NOT A CASE OF REACTIVE BRAKING (HITTING THE ACCELERATOR BY MISTAKE)...MY FOOT NEVER LEFT THE GAS PEDAL FROM THE DECELERATION LANE ON HIGHWAY TO VERY SLOWLY DESCENDING THE EXIT RAMP. LOST MY JOB, NO SICK PAY. WAS SCHEDULED TO TAKE MY CERTIFICATION TEST AS AN AEROBICS INSTRUCTOR IN 3 DAYS TO ENABLE ME TO GET A SECOND JOB. STILL ON PAIN MEDS, GOING THROUGH TESTS, UNABLE TO WORK OR EXERCISE, ETC. *TR

NHTSA ID 10575011 · filed Mar 26, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

LEXUS IS AWARE OF A SAFETY ISSUE THAT HAS CAUSED FIRES DUE TO AN IMPROPER WIRING HARNESS INSTALLED ON TOYOTA PRIUS AND LEXUS CT200H VEHICLES. I ASKED FOR THIS TO BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (I WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE EXISTENCE OF IT TILL VERY RECENTLY, BUT IT EXPIRED IN OCTOBER 2019). THEY REFUSED, CITING THE FACT THAT I DID NOT SPEND ENOUGH MONEY WITH LEXUS TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. NOW, EVEN AFTER LIGHTBULB AND FUSE REPLACEMENT, THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE ARE INOPERABLE.

NHTSA ID 11299912 · filed Jan 16, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

IN SNOW AND RAIN VEHICLE LOSES TRACTION AND STOPS WHEN GOING UP A HILL.

NHTSA ID 11111203 · filed Jul 13, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11503914 · filed Jan 27, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .