2013 Lexus CT problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 58 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median CT year — the 2013 model ranks #1 of 6 CT years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 18 reports (31% of the total).
58
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
9
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
5
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2013 compare to other CT years?
What are the most common 2013 Lexus CT problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 18 | 31% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 14 | 24% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 3 | 5% | new |
| Lighting | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 3% | — flat |
| Airbags | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 2 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“AS I WAS DRIVING INTO A TURN FROM A COMPLETE STOP IN THE TURN LANE ON A CITY STREET, MY CAR SURGED FORWARD AND THE BRAKES DIDN'T RESPOND. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY.”
“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…”
“SINGLE VEHICLE ROLLOVER APROX. 75MPH ON HIGHWAY.. VEHICLE EQUIPPED WITH SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS. VEHICLE WAS IMPACTED WITH EXTREME FORCE ON ALL SIDES AND TOP OF VEHICLE. DRIVERS LEFT SHOULDER AND FACE WHERE INJURED DURING THE IMPACT AND ROLL. SIDE CURTAIN DEPLOYMENT WOULD HAVE SAVED DRIVER FROM INJURY…”
“LED headlights are pointed downward and is set with auto leveling to adjust. The distance you can see isn't far enough and these need to be higher. There is no way to adjust these LED lights. With the halogen bulbs you have a level option to raise or lower. You do not with LEDs factory fitted.”
“Driving down the 99Freeway at speeds approx. Up to 72mph, my abs,traction, and brake lights illuminated at the same time on my dash. I pushed on my brake pedal in order to slow down and pull over, my brake pedal was extremely hard to push in and no matter how hard I pushed it didn't appear to be…”
2013 Lexus CT — common questions
Is the 2013 Lexus CT reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 58 complaints put the 2013 model at #1 of 6 CT years. It is one of the CT years to avoid.
What are the most common 2013 CT problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (18 complaints), engine (14 complaints), body & structure (4 complaints).
Does the 2013 Lexus CT have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2013 Lexus CT.
Is the 2013 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.