2012 Lexus Ct

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 of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

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.

NHTSA ID

11685591

Incident

Sep 7, 2025

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 acknowledged by Lexus under CSP 21LE01. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this defect to ensure Lexus extends proper coverage and prevents future safety risks for other owners.

NHTSA ID

11685335

Incident

Mar 23, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11654277

Incident

Apr 9, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11645312

Incident

Feb 19, 2025

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. It is disheartening, in my view and that of many others, that a problem posing a risk to public safety due to brake failure has not been adequately addressed. The sudden onset of this issue significantly reduces stopping distances. When it occurs, warning lights for ABS, traction control, and brakes illuminate simultaneously. Notably, there are no visible brake fluid leaks associated with this actuator. While Toyota provides coverage under the extended warranty, it appears that Lexus may not offer similar support, raising concerns about the safety implications discussed across various platforms.

NHTSA ID

11630491

Incident

Dec 8, 2024

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 requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems."" Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.

NHTSA ID

11623648

Incident

Mar 1, 2024

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!

NHTSA ID

11620854

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

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. Toyota covers it under extended warranty, although it appears as though Lexus does not(?), this is a major safety hazard and concern for a heavy amount on several different websites. The trouble code is: C1391. I called Lexus of Austin and was told there are no recalls, after looking up my VIN#. Searching for “c1391 danger” will yield many incidents of this. This is quite a serious issue that needs government interference. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

NHTSA ID

11600196

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. While Lexus paint quality, durability, and resistance to environmental factors is continuously being improved, it remains the responsibility of the dealer to protect and maintain the vehicle’s paint finish from the time of arrival at the dealership until retail delivery to the customer. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. BO029-91. •The entire bulletin has been updated. Service Bulletin No. BO029-91 is obsolete

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements 4.13.2022

POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Lexus. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it. Customers can find this information on the Owner?s section of Lexus.com. Dealers can locate a copy of this guide on the Claims Processing & Resource Center in Dealer Daily as well.

Lexus Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN KLG CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 19LE05 SAFETY CONNECT SYSTEM ? VEHICLE LOCATION INACCURATE