2014 Lexus Ct Owner Complaints

Brake booster stopped working. Brake efficiency declined, ABS and stability control stopped working. Brake master cylinder and brake booster had to be replaced.

NHTSA ID

11720696

Incident

Dec 16, 2025

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. Lexus/Toyota has acknowledged this specific defect in Customer Support Program 24LE01 (DTCs C1391, C1252, C1256), identifying it as an "internal malfunction." However, the manufacturer has limited the coverage to 10 years from the date of first use. My vehicle, with only approximately 62,000 miles, is exhibiting these known failure symptoms just outside this arbitrary time window. A safety-critical component like the braking system should not fail at such low mileage, and the manufacturer should address this design defect via a Safety Recall rather than a time-limited warranty extension that leaves owners of low-mileage vehicles with a dangerous defect.

NHTSA ID

11710830

Incident

Jan 12, 2026

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 tons and tons of 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. Just look up “c1391 danger” and see what comes up. In my opinion, as well as many, it is pathetic that an issue in which endangers the lives of others due this brake failure is not further addressed. 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, as it did me as I was driving today. There were no engine lights as I started my drive. 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. The trouble code is.: C1391. Also, I went to Sewell Lexus of Dallas today and was told there are no recalls, after looking my vin #. The service program had expired and there is nothing they can do for me. Please extend the program or issue a recall for this dangerous failure. The repair cost is substantial and should be covered for a known flaw.

NHTSA ID

11679184

Incident

Aug 7, 2025

I’m reporting a serious safety issue with my 2014 Lexus CT200h involving the brake booster and ABS pump/accumulator system. This issue is well-documented across Lexus CT200h and Toyota Prius V models, which use the same components. Lexus quietly issued a Customer Support Program (CSP) for the affected part but never notified me. I contacted Lexus and was told they “didn’t have to” notify all owners. After escalating, they claimed a letter was sent, but I confirmed my address and never received anything. Several months before the CSP expired, I noticed inconsistent brake response, a soft/spongy pedal, and warning lights: ABS, traction control, brake, and TPMS. I took the car to an independent mechanic who misdiagnosed it as a TPMS issue. Six months later, a loud chime began sounding repeatedly, unrelated to seatbelt use. I brought the car to Lexus of North Miami, where they diagnosed a failing ABS pump and accumulator — the exact components covered by the CSP. This is a critical safety failure. Loss of braking pressure compromises stopping distance and puts my safety and others at risk. Lexus refused assistance because the CSP expired, even though the problem began earlier and I sought help. Corporate and their Resolution Team were dismissive and unprofessional. The issue is reproducible and confirmed by a certified Lexus dealer. Thousands of drivers online report the same pattern: trouble code C1391, buzzing brake actuator, unexplained chimes, hissing noises after shutdown, and external fluid leaks. Some dealers reportedly told customers to disable the chime rather than investigate. Toyota Prius owners with the same part received repairs under warranty or recall — Lexus drivers did not. I urge NHTSA to investigate this defect before it leads to serious injury or death. This is not normal wear. It’s a known mechanical failure affecting a critical safety system. What makes this even more dangerous is that most owners won’t do the deep digging I did to connect it.

NHTSA ID

11677841

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

ABS, TRACTION CONTROL , BRAKE, A YELLOW EXCLAMMATION POINT, RED BRAKE LIGHT ALL COME ON, AS WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH BOARD, AND THE BREAKS START TO FEEL SPONGEY AND NOT WORK AS WELL. THE ACTUATOR STARTS TO BUZZ EVERY FEW SECONDS TRYING TO KEEP PRESSURE IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM, BUT IT CANNOT DUE TO A LEAK IN THE ACCUATOR, IN WHICH THEN CAUSES THE ABS SYSTEM TO DEACTIVATE, A KNOWN PROBLEM OF THE LEXUS CT200H, MANY OF THE OTHER LEXUS HAD THIS PROBLEM AS A RECALL AS WELL- LEXUS SHOULD BE FIXING THIS FOR PEOPLE ITS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE BRAKES START TO NOT WORK OUT OF NO WHERE AND ITS NOT FAIR TO THE OWNER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ENORMOUS BILL TO FIX WHEN ITS A KNOWN PROBLEM OF LEXUS! IT STATES ONLINE ALL OVER THE PLACE THAT CT200H VEHICLES MAY HAVE BRAKE, ABS AND OR TRAC WARNING LIGHTS ON OR A CHECK VSC MESSAGE DISPLAYED DUE TO A SMALL BRAKE FLUID LEAK INSIDE THE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY WITH MASTER CYLINDER, ABS ACTUATOR FAILURE, AND ONLINE LISTS ALL THE CODES. IT SAYS IF THE CONDITION IS VERIFIED THE VEHICLE WILL BE REPAIRED WITH NEW BRAKE BOOSTER AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLIES BUT NOT ALL LEXUS ESTABLISHMENTS ARE COOPERATING WITH THIS, AND ITS NOT SAFE!

NHTSA ID

11612199

Incident

Aug 31, 2024

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. Toyota/ Lexus have an extended warranty that expires in at a 10 year mark or 150K miles but several complaints of this failure has been just after that time usually with in a few months and come at a high cost of repair almost $3-4K, fortunately I searched the internet for the warranty info and my vehicle is just under the warranty period by a few days and couple miles but the amount of people who currently drive these Toyota/Lexus models that may experience this failure is pretty high

NHTSA ID

11594016

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

C1391 error code All brake dash lights (abs, parking brake, !) came on and brakes would not stop. I had to put my foot the floor to get the car stopped. No warning at all, lights came on and brakes instantly malfunctioned

NHTSA ID

11585480

Incident

Apr 26, 2024

Engine started misfiring recently at engine cold start and from hybrid transition to engine startup. Engine light came on with reports codes P0302 and P0304. Additionally, another error code P0607 also was detected. Had a certified mechanic assess the car and replaced the four coils for the CT200h. No change in issue. New issue developed this past Monday with an engine temperature light flashing on. Stopped and put a half liter in the coolant reservoir. Engine temperature light did not come back on. Took the car to a certified mechanic and told him to pressure test the coolant system. The mechanic confirmed the head gasket is blown. In the Lexus CT200h online forum there is a clear and compelling case that the EGR malfunctioned and directly contributed to the head gasket blowing. This car has approximately 128,000 miles. I would encourage you to read the Lexus CT 200h forum.

NHTSA ID

11585050

Incident

Apr 22, 2024

Defective Brake Actuator and Safety Concerns in 2014 Lexus CT200h I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding a critical safety issue with my 2014 Lexus CT200h. I have recently discovered that the brake actuator in my vehicle is defective, potentially compromising my safety and the safety of others on the road. Details of the Issue: I have experienced all of my brake warning lights are all lit up. I would have to step on my brake 5 times as hard to stop my car. This issue poses a significant safety risk. From what I understand from this problem, the brake system can stop working at any moment. Upon further research, I have discovered that this problem appears to be a known issue with the Lexus CT200h and similar Prius models, as they share the same brake actuator components. Numerous complaints and reports have been documented online and with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Request for Action: I urge you to take immediate action to address this critical safety concern. I request that you: Thoroughly investigate the issue with the brake actuator in my vehicle and perform any necessary repairs to ensure its proper functioning. Cover the cost of all repairs associated with this defect, as it appears to be a systemic issue rather than an isolated incident. Provide a clear explanation for why this known defect was not addressed proactively and what steps are being taken to prevent similar issues in the future. I am deeply concerned about the potential safety implications of this malfunction and believe that Lexus has a responsibility to prioritize the safety of its customers. I expect a prompt and comprehensive response to this complaint. Additional Information: I have attached any relevant documentation regarding this known problem

NHTSA ID

11571233

Incident

Dec 19, 2023

My daughter was involved in a rollover accident 10/24/2023 resulting in a front passenger injury. The passenger's right hand was crushed during the accident requiring a lengthy hospitalization and numerous hand surgeries. The passenger will require additional surgeries in the upcoming future. Front and side airbags was not deployed during the accident. No warnings on the dash re. airbag issues prior to the accident. The car was released to USAA (ie. adjuster) and car was deemed unfixable.

NHTSA ID

11557152

Incident

Oct 24, 2023

Engine rattles due to head gasket failure and subsequently stops working and defaults to “service hybrid system” this can occur while driving and cause a collision.

NHTSA ID

11530264

Incident

Jun 26, 2023

As stated above, I own and maintain a 2014 Lexus Ct200H. My issue is specifically with the factory ABS and brake booster pump that recently failed due to an internal leak of the pump causing the brakes to feel very unsafe for road use. There are actually two ongoing bulletins already in regards to this but in the manufactures Support program that notifies the issue has excluded 2014. L-SB-0009-21 & CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM 21LE01. My vehicle has now developed this internal leak and has been inspected only to provided the matching four Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) C1391, C1252, C1256, & C1253 that are mentioned in the program.

NHTSA ID

11513856

Incident

Mar 22, 2023

Brake system completely went out while driving with no warning. Traction control lights came on, abs lights came on and other warnings. Vehicle had to be towed as the vehicle had no brakes what so ever. Vehicle was taken to the dealer. It is a known problem with the hybrid cars from toyota and lexus. They have a repair program for the same car but my car missed it by a few months. Hundreds of thousands of the same model are being repaired but they refused to repair mine.

NHTSA ID

11509820

Incident

Feb 17, 2023

At 125,000 miles my engine started knocking. I had been keeping up with all routine maintenance. It was determined that I had a blown head-gasket. After checking online, this is an issue that a # of people are experiencing with the CT200h/Prius drivetrain.

NHTSA ID

11438255

Incident

Oct 24, 2021

THE HEAD GASKET IS LEAKING. AFTER SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL MECHANICS WHO WORK ON THIS TYPE OF CAR AND ISSUE AND THEY HAVE ALL SAID THAT "3RD GENERATION PRIUS ENGINES ALL HAVE THIS LEAKING HEAD GASKET PROBLEM, NO OTHER GENERATION HYBRID ENGINE FROM TOYOTA OR LEXUS DOES". WHY WASN'T THIS RECALLED? I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW TOYOTA AND LEXUS GET AWAY WITH A SHODDY PRODUCT THAT CREATES A $5-8K EXPENSE ON THEIR VEHICLES THAT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND ISSUE WITH THIS GENERATION HYBRID ENGINE. MY CAR IS ONLY WORTH ABOUT $10K, SO PAYING TO FIX THIS SEEMS LIKE A BAD CHOICE. HOWEVER, I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD THAT OFTEN WHEN PEOPLE DO PAY TO FIX IT THEY HAVE TO COME BACK AS THE ENGINE BLOCK ENDS UP NEEDING FULL REPLACEMENT, WHICH IS AN ADDITIONAL $3K.

NHTSA ID

11404552

Incident

Nov 28, 2020

Mileage

92,920 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 LEXUS CT200H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR HANDLE FRACTURED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN LEXUS DEALER, LOCATED IN SPOKANE, WASHINGTON, WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT REFERENCED MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATIONS NUMBER: SB0037-22R2. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11326199

Incident

Feb 1, 2020

Mileage

75,000 mi

ON APR, 19TH 2016 LEXUS AND TOYOTA SENT ENHANCED WARRANTY ON THE BRAKE ACTUATORS ON THESE VEHICLES: 2006 ' 2007 GS 430, 2007 ' 2011 GS 450H, 2008 ' 2011 GS 460, 2007 ' 2012 LS 460, AND 2006 ' 2008 RX 400H SEEM LIKE THE REAL PROBLEM HAVEN'T BEEN SOLVED AND CARS THAT WERE BUILD AFTER THOSE YEARS STILL REPORTING OF SAME PROBLEM PREMATURELY FAILING ON BRAKE ACTUATORS ACROSS THE FORUMS. HOPE NHTSA LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND HAVE CITIZENS DRIVE ROAD IN SAFER ENVIRONMENT. SINCERELY,

NHTSA ID

11315932

Incident

Mar 3, 2020

Mileage

72,000 mi

DOOR LOCKS ON VEHICLE DO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK

NHTSA ID

11282355

Incident

Oct 20, 2019

Mileage

109,000 mi

WE NOTICED A FUEL SPILL UNDER CAR AS WE PULLED OUT OF DRIVEWAY. BROUGHT CAR INTO LEXUS DEALER. WE WERE TOLD THE FUEL TANK WAS CRACKED AND MUST BE REPLACED. THEY TOLD US THE DAMAGE WAS DUE TO ROAD HAZARD AND NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WE HAD NOT NOTICED ANYTHING UNUSUAL IN THE DAYS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. THE FUEL TANK IS EXPOSED ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE, AND IS MADE OF PLASTIC. THERE IS NO SHIELD OF ANY KIND TO PREVENT A STONE OR ANY OTHER DEBRIS FROM CAUSING THIS TYPE OF OCCURRENCE AGAIN. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN TO US OR ANYONE OWNING THIS MODEL. WE CONSIDER OURSELVES VERY LUCKY TO HAVE DISCOVERED THE FUEL SPILL BEFORE THE TANK EXPLODED OR CAUGHT FIRE. THERE MAY BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT ALLOWED THIS TO HAPPEN. *TR

NHTSA ID

10597992

Incident

Jun 6, 2014

Mileage

2,916 mi