2012 Lexus CT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 53 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median CT year — the 2012 model ranks #2 of 6 CT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Engine leads the complaint categories with 15 reports (28% of the total).
53
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2012 compare to other CT years?
What are the most common 2012 Lexus CT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 28% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 11 | 21% | — flat |
| Other | 6 | 11% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 5 | 9% | — flat |
| Airbags | 4 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 4% | new |
| Fuel System | 2 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 4% | new |
| Suspension | 2 | 4% | new |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 2% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“SEVERAL CLAIMS OF SHUTTER RESULTING IN LOW POWER WHEN LEAVING A STOP. BECAUSE THE ENGINE TURNS OFF ENTERING EV MODE. IN THE CORSE OF 20 SECONDS THE CAR WITHOUT NOTICE UNTIL TAKING OFF ENTERING ICE ENGINE OPERATION A MASSIVE SHUTTER HAPPENS THAT WHEN LOTS OF FORWARD POWER. THIS IS AN ISSUE WHEN NO…”
“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…”
“BEFORE THE BACKUP CAMERA IS DISPLAYED, THE SCREEN RISES FROM THE DASH BOARD AND SAYS "LEXUS' FOR 5 SECONDS AND "ENFORM" FOR 5 SECONDS. IN MARCH, I BACKED INTO A MAINTENANCE VEHICLE WHICH CAME UP AFTER I GOT IN MY CAR AND WAS NOT VISIBLE WITH MY MIRRORS. THIS WOULD NOT HAPPENED WITH ANY OTHER BRAND.…”
“I HAD MY HEADLIGHTS REPLACED UNDER A RECALL. ROUGHLY ONE YEAR LATER MY HEADLIGHT IS OUT AGAIN. IT SEEMS THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND CONTAIN A LOT OF PARTS. I'M NOT SURE WHERE THE PROBLEM LIES, AND THEREFOR I'M NOT SURE WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS CT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STRUCK BY ANOTHER VEHICLE IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL AREA. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT. THE CONTACT WAS INJURED AND REQUIRED MEDICAL ASSISTANCE. A…”
2012 Lexus CT — common questions
Is the 2012 Lexus CT reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 53 complaints put the 2012 model at #2 of 6 CT years. It is one of the CT years to avoid.
What are the most common 2012 CT problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (15 complaints), brakes (11 complaints), other (6 complaints).
Does the 2012 Lexus CT have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2012 Lexus CT.
Is the 2012 Lexus CT under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Lexus CT years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CT years to avoid are 2013, 2012. The cleanest record among CT years belongs to 2016.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.