2014 Lexus Ct Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2014 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
- Brakes1152.4%
- Engine314.3%
- Electrical29.5%
- Fuel system14.8%
- Airbags14.8%
- Powertrain (other)14.8%
- Body & structure14.8%
- Driver assistance14.8%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Brake booster stopped working. Brake efficiency declined, ABS and stability control stopped working. Brake master cylinder and brake booster had to be replaced.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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!
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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!
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .