YearToAvoid

2012 Lexus CT Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

60/100

#3 most-complained of 6 CT years

The 2012 Lexus CT has a Complaint Index of 60 and ranks 3rd worst among 6 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA logged 43 complaints, 3 crashes, 2 injuries, and 0 recalls, with Engine (35%) and Brakes (28%) the top problem areas.

Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
42
43 city / 40 hwy

Top 2012 Lexus CT problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine15 (35%)
  2. Brakes12 (28%)
  3. Other6 (14%)
  4. Airbags4 (9%)
  5. Electrical System3 (7%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (7%)
  7. Fuel System2 (5%)
  8. Structure & Body2 (5%)
  9. Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)
  10. Seat Belts1 (2%)

What owners report

  • Engine develops a shudder and momentary loss of power when pulling away from a stop, tied to the transition between EV mode and gas engine operation.
  • Front airbag deploys on the driver side in a low-speed crash while the passenger airbag fails to deploy.
  • Lower control arm knuckle fractures after driving over a curb at low speed, raising questions about improperly heat-treated metal.
  • Ride feels jittery or abnormal from the first day of ownership, persisting even after all four tires were replaced.
  • Side or rear window glass suddenly shatters while driving on the highway with no object striking the car.
  • A brake pressure drop occurs when braking over bumps or potholes, causing the car to surge forward momentarily.
2012 Lexus CT complaints: complaints filed per month6Oct 2012Jul 2014Oct 2017Jan 2020Apr 2021Sep 2023Oct 2024Sep 2025
51 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2012 to Sep 2025; peak Apr 2013 (6).

2012 Lexus CT recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2012 Lexus CT fuel economy and fuel cost

City
43 MPG
Highway
40 MPG
Combined
42 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,550
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2012 compared with other CT years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201120122013201420152016
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2011Best2022042
2012Caution6043042
2013Avoid8043042
2014Best019042

All Lexus CT years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Lexus CT reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2012 Lexus CT has a Complaint Index of 60 and a Caution verdict, ranking 3rd worst out of 6 model years for this model. It logged 43 complaints, 3 crashes, and 2 injuries, with no recalls filed.
What is the biggest problem area for the 2012 Lexus CT?
Engine complaints make up 35% of all reports for the 2012 CT, with a median failure mileage of 101,200 miles. Brakes follow at 28% of complaints, with a median mileage of 20,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Lexus CT have any recalls?
No. NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2012 Lexus CT.
How does the 2012 Lexus CT compare to other years?
The 2012 CT (Complaint Index 60) is worse than 2011 (20, Best), 2014 (0, Best), and 2015 (40, Good), but better than 2013 (80, Avoid) and 2016 (100).

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.