What year Lexus CT should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints, the 2013 Lexus CT stands out with a complaint index of 80, the highest among years with an assigned verdict, driven mainly by brake (42%) and engine (37%) complaints.

What is the best year for the Lexus CT?

The 2011 and 2014 model years are rated Best. The 2014 has a complaint index of 0 and only 19 complaints, while the 2011 has a complaint index of 20 and 22 complaints.

Does the 2013 Lexus CT have any recalls?

No. NHTSA lists zero recall campaigns for the 2013 Lexus CT.

What is the most common problem area for the Lexus CT overall?

Across all six model years (2011-2016), brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 41% of the 146 total complaints, followed by engine issues at 27%.

Lexus CT Best and Worst Years (2011–2016)

The 2013 Lexus CT is the year to avoid, with a complaint index of 80 and 43 complaints, led by brakes (42%) and engine (37%) issues. The 2011 and 2014 model years are the best picks, with the 2014 posting a complaint index of 0.

Avoid 2013 Best 2011 Best 2014

Model years: 6; 2011–2016
NHTSA complaints: 146
Recall campaigns: 0
Crashes reported: 12
Fires reported: 1
Top problem area: Brakes

CT Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Lexus CT problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2011	Best	20	22	2	0	Brakes	42	—
2012	Caution	60	43	3	0	Engine	42	—
2013	Avoid	80	43	4	1	Brakes	42	—
2014	Best	0	19	1	0	Brakes	42	—
2015	Good	40	16	2	0	Brakes	42	—
2016	No verdict	100	3	0	0	Brakes	42	—

CT years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Lexus CT Index 80 · 43 complaints · 0 recalls

The 2013 CT has the highest complaint index among years with a verdict, at 80. Brakes account for 42% of its complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 40,325.5, and owners describe brake pedals that fail to respond or that lock up unexpectedly, in some cases leading to crashes. Engine complaints make up 37% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 103,500. Electrical system and structure/body complaints each account for 9%. No recalls are listed for this model year.

2013 brakes problems →2013 engine problems →

Most common Lexus CT problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Brakes60 (41%)
Engine40 (27%)
Electrical System18 (12%)
Other17 (12%)
Airbags12 (8%)
Fuel System7 (5%)
Structure & Body7 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (4%)
Transmission & Powertrain5 (3%)
Collision Avoidance & Cameras4 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Lexus CT should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints, the 2013 Lexus CT stands out with a complaint index of 80, the highest among years with an assigned verdict, driven mainly by brake (42%) and engine (37%) complaints.
What is the best year for the Lexus CT?: The 2011 and 2014 model years are rated Best. The 2014 has a complaint index of 0 and only 19 complaints, while the 2011 has a complaint index of 20 and 22 complaints.
Does the 2013 Lexus CT have any recalls?: No. NHTSA lists zero recall campaigns for the 2013 Lexus CT.
What is the most common problem area for the Lexus CT overall?: Across all six model years (2011-2016), brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 41% of the 146 total complaints, followed by engine issues at 27%.