RoadVitals

2013 Lexus Ct Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints 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.
14
Latest Jun 29, 2024
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
33%
of 43 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Lexus Ct submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 14 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming engine

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2024

Early morning cold start in open loop engine starts to rattle and knock. Cleaned out EGR system, including intake manifold. Engine still rattles and knocks. Swapped out ignition coils and fuel injectors with new still and still the same thing. DTC sets after a week of troubleshooting for P0303, P0301, and P0300. Switched cylinder ignition coils and fuel injectors from cylinder 1 to 2 and 3 to 4. Same DTC sets after drive cycle. Leak down test confirms cylinder 3 has head gasket leak. Registration was just paid and was going to have it smog test. Unable to pass smog due to check engine light. I had went to Lexus dealer to have them update my car for EGR update according to TSB (see attachment) but they wouldn’t do it unless I pay $300 SMFH!!! What a day! Which engineer suggested this stupid design?!?! And wtf the EGR cooler, more like a heater, has coolant running into housing which raises the engine coolant temp. Exhaust gas may go up to a temp of 600 degrees!! Look at live data and monitor catalyst temp from OBD2. This design was to intentionally cause a head gasket failure. Blades in EGR cooler gets clogged with carbon build up, where carbon will eventually break up into chunks/pebbles that will cause pre-ignition during compression stroke, pinging the engine which will result in misfires and damage the catalyst. One of the worst designs I’ve ever encountered as a car owner. This is ridiculous that this issue has been brought up countless times from thousands of testimony’s of same incident but not even a single word for these models. CT200h and Prius years 2012-2015 have this same dam problem and everyone knows this, even the CA BAR(Bureau of automotive repair). What is it that we as car owners, who abide by the law, and pay our fair share of taxes gets this “setup to fail” deal???

NHTSA ID
11597715
Incident
Mar 20, 2024
Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2022

At about 165-170,000 miles Lexus dealer advised leaking oil from timing chain area. Apparently it is a known issue from this engine (both CT200h and Prius) suffer from this issue. Didn't realize there is a TSB but since way out of warranty and not a recall they offered to fix for $3500. Hard to see the leak as it is in the timing chain area so it rarely comes out of the engine itself. This should be something that Lexus/Toyota should advise their customers. Few months later car was totaled in an accident so I got rid of it.

NHTSA ID
11498387
Incident
May 12, 2022
Engine
Filed Nov 27, 2022

I have to replace my 2013 Ct engine. When I started it, there was a horrible knocking noise. This came as a surprise, as it was fine the day before. I had it towed to Lexus. I was told that there was no oil in the engine and it needs to be replaced. What????? 1. No warning light came on 2. I had an oil change recently ( within the 5K scheduled maintenance). I was quoted a price of $6960.35 to replace the engine with an engine with around 92K miles ( about the same as what I have). I did some investigation and called Lexus customer engagement. I reached out to Lexus. They offered me $1500 towards the repair. The car is still in the shop. Owners of the CT200h have reportedly been told by Lexus dealers that this is regular oil consumption. However, Toyota did issue a technical service bulletin for these engines. However, they only did so for the ones installed in the Prius and had the same problem. Overall, CT200h owners were left hanging with an engine that uses an incredible amount of oil. I was told in a forum of Lexus owners ( discussion group) to contact this organization for help on this matter. Please investigate this issue.

NHTSA ID
11495069
Incident
Oct 23, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 17, 2022
Fire reported

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN AFTER A LOUD NOISE THE bottom of the vehicle went on fire. we called the fire department who put out the fire. After looking at the bottom I notice that the crankcase had a big hole. it seems that a valve went right through the cracnkcase. resulting in hot engine oil going on fire. The car is only 5 months old and Carmax will not pay for the repair which could cost me 5,000 dollars. I paid 27,000 for the car.

NHTSA ID
11479752
Incident
Aug 14, 2022
Engine
Filed Jun 8, 2022

UNKNOWN: However, the engine is using 2 quarts of oil in less than 100 miles of traveling. It has been taken to the dealer several times for this problem of. Using oil through the engine with no leaks in the oil pan.

NHTSA ID
11468255
Incident
Jun 8, 2022
Engine
Filed Apr 19, 2021

PRIOR TO A LONG TRIP WE HAD THE OIL CHANGED AND FLUIDS TOPPED OFF WHEN WE ARRIVED TO OUR DESTINATION THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO OIL IN THE CAR, NO OIL LEAKS JUST A COMPLETE BLOW OUT WHILE DRIVING WE NEVER SAW THE OIL LEAVING THE CAR, THIS HAS HAPPENED ON ALL OUR TRIPS AND WE ALWAYS MAKE SURE THERE IS OIL IN THE CAR , UPON ARRIVING TO A DESTINATION THERE WILL BE NO OIL LEFT. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH THE OIL BLOWING OUT OF THE CAR

NHTSA ID
11412916
Incident
Jun 3, 2019
Mileage
87,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 4, 2020

2013 LEXUS CT200H WITH 132,000 MILES. MADE A LOUD METALLIC SOUND WHILE TRYING TO START. TOWED TO LEXUS. AGREED TO $650 FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST. DIAGNOSED LOW COMPRESSION 'THE RINGS AND PISTONS WERE SHOT' AND NOT WORTH FIXING- OVER $8,000 TO REBUILD. TOLD ME THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THIS HAPPEN ON A CT200H BUT ADMITTED SERVICE BULLETIN FOR EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. SERVICE REP WOULD NOT RECOMMEND A USED ENGINE DUE TO HIGH PROBABILITY OF RECURRENCE.

NHTSA ID
11377897
Incident
Nov 6, 2020
Mileage
132,000 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 22, 2020

WATER PUMP FAILED CAUSING THE COOLANT TO FLOOD A CYLINDER. LEADING TO A HEAD GASKET BLOWING OUT. IT ALSO WARPED THE HEAD BLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING IN THE GARAGE AND DURING A COLD MORNING START. THE ENGINE HAD A MISFIRE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE ENGINE STARTED UP WITH A VIOLENT SHAKE AND WHITE SMOKE EXITED OUT FROM THE TAIL PIPE AND ENGINE BAY CLOUDING UP THE GARAGE. DURING A DRIVE THE ENGINE WITH SPUTTER WHEN DRIVING. THEN GOES AWAY AFTER YOU GIVE IT ENOUGH GAS. COOLANT WOULD DRAIN EVEN THOUGH IT'S TOPPED OFF.

NHTSA ID
11375829
Incident
Nov 11, 2020
Mileage
146,000 mi
Engine
Filed Sep 27, 2020

HAVE DONE OIL CHANGES MYSELF AND ALWAYS OBSERVED OIL USAGE BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. SO FAR I HAVE BEEN BURNING OIL. EVERY 2,000 MILES, THE CAR NEEDS A QUART TOP-UP. IF FOLLOWING THE 10,000 MILE OIL CHANGE INTERVAL, THIS CAR WOULD REQUIRE 5 QUARTS TO AVOID A SEIZED OR BLOWN ENGINE.

NHTSA ID
11361433
Incident
Dec 24, 2019
Engine
Filed Aug 9, 2020

EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. MORE THAN 3 QUARTS REQUIRED BETWEEN REGULAR OIL CHANGES. NO VISIBLE LEAKS..

NHTSA ID
11344242
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Mileage
86,500 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2020

MY 2013 LEXUS CT200H IS BURNING EXCESSIVE OIL BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. IT STARTED AROUND THE 90K MARK AND IS CONTINUALLY BURNING MORE, AND MORE OIL AS I PUT MORE MILES ON IT. I'M RUNNING THE RECOMMENDED SYNTHETIC OIL SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE WITH 47K ON IT, AND I GO 7K MILES BETWEEN CHANGES. ON THE LEXUS FORM I'M LEARNING THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM! THIS ENGINE IS ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THE ENGINE TOYOTA, RECALLED IN THE RAV4, SCION, AND OTHER MODELS FOR THIS VERY ISSUE! I KNOW ITS A HUGE EXPENSIVE RECALL BUT TOYOTA NEEDS TO DO THE RIGHT THING TO KEEP MY BUSINESS, AND THE BUSINESS OF OTHERS.

NHTSA ID
11320987
Incident
Feb 1, 2020
Engine
Filed Oct 18, 2019

THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY RATTLED/SHUDDERS VIOLENTLY UPON INITIAL START AND RANDOMLY SHAKES VIOLENTLY ON THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO VEER OFF THE ROAD EVERY TIME IT VIOLENTLY SHAKES, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. LEXUS DEALERSHIP REPORTED RANDOM ENGINE CYLINDER MISFIRES; AND A THREE-DAY PHYSICAL OBSERVATION AFTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REMOVAL SHOWS: UNEXPLAINED INTERNAL COOLANT LEAK. COLLANT LEAKING INTO CYLINDER 4. CYLINDER 1 ALSO WET AND MUDDY LOOKING. AND DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF FORECASTED REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENT WHICH COULD EITHER BE THE CYLINDER $4K OR AN ENTIRELY NEW ENGINE 17K IF THE CYLINDER REPLACEMENT FAILS TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. NO LEXUS ENGINE SHOULD FAIL LIKE THIS, IT'S A HYBRID WITH HYBRID TECHNOLOGY, IT RELIES ON BATTERY HALF THE TIME. AN ENGINE FROM LUXURY BRANK LIKE LEXUS SHOULD LAST LONGER THAN 125K MILES. THIS CAR IS A LEMON. NUMEROUS PRIUS AND LEXUS OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL LEXUS CONSUMER FOR 15 YEARS. APPARENTLY LEXUS RECEIVED J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATE'S MOST DEPENDABLE VEHICLE AWARD FOR THE 7TH YEAR IN A ROW FOR 2019 AND RANKED HIGHEST OVERALL AMONG ALL OTHER LUXURY CAR BRANDS' NOT WITH MY LEXUS, IT'S JUNK AND UNSAFE! EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, LEXUS!

NHTSA ID
11269455
Incident
May 1, 2019
Mileage
120,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed May 1, 2019

THE ENGINE CONSTANTLY RATTLED/SHUDDERS VIOLENTLY UPON INITIAL START FOR ABOUT 20-30 SECONDS, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. DRIVING, ACCELERATION, AND FUEL ECONOMY HAS DECREASED/WORSENED. A MECHANIC IN SANTA MONICA STATED THAT THE OBD READINGS SHOW RANDOM ENGINE'S CYLINDERS MISFIRES; AND A THREE-DAY PHYSICAL OBSERVATION AFTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REMOVAL SHOWS: UNEXPLAINED COOLANT OIL CONTAMINATION ISSUES, OIL MIXED WITH COOLANT AT EXPANSION TANK, RAW FUEL ON CYLINDERS, FUEL BLOW BY, AND REPEATED SPARK PLUGS BURNING AFTER EACH REPLACEMENT. AND DUE TO THE HIGH COST OF FORECASTED REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENT, THE TECHNICIANS RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE WHOLE ENGINE UNIT. WE'RE EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED, LEXUS!

NHTSA ID
11204907
Incident
Apr 18, 2019
Engine
Filed Nov 21, 2017

VIOLENT SHUDDER/SHAKING OF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE CT200H IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION THE ENGINE PERIODICALLY SHAKES VIOLENTLY SOMETIMES UP TO 30 SECONDS THEN IT GOES AWAY. IT HAPPENED ON COLD OR HOT STARTS. THE EGR HAS BEEN CLEANED FROM CARBON BUILD UP, HAS NEW SPARK PLUGS AND COILS ARE GOOD. I HAVE LATELY BEEN NOTICING COOLANT LOSS. NUMEROUS PRIUS AND LEXUS OWNERS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FINALLY CAME ON WITH CODE P0301 "CYLINDER 1 MISFIRE."

NHTSA ID
11047679
Incident
Oct 1, 2017
Mileage
133,000 mi

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.

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