YearToAvoid

2013 Lexus CT Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

80/100

#2 most-complained of 6 CT years

The 2013 Lexus CT has a Complaint Index of 80 and ranks 2nd worst of 6 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Brakes account for 42% of its 43 complaints, followed by engine issues at 37%.

Complaints
43
Recalls
0
Crashes / fires
4 / 1
Injuries / deaths
3 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
42
43 city / 40 hwy

Top 2013 Lexus CT problems

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

  1. Brakes18 (42%)
  2. Engine16 (37%)
  3. Electrical System4 (9%)
  4. Structure & Body4 (9%)
  5. Other3 (7%)
  6. Airbags2 (5%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras2 (5%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
  9. Transmission & Powertrain2 (5%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers2 (5%)

What owners report

  • Brakes reportedly lock up or disengage suddenly at low speeds, in one case causing a crash with a broken collarbone, hand, and femur.
  • Owners describe brake pedal being depressed with no stopping response while coasting or turning, sometimes on uneven road surfaces.
  • A vehicle caught fire after a loud noise while driving on the highway, with owners describing a hole in the crankcase leaking hot oil onto hot engine parts.
  • The turn signal reportedly fails to cancel after a sweeping or corner-cut turn, confusing other drivers about intent.
  • Some owners report the sunroof exploded with a loud bang while driving at highway speed with windows closed.
  • The navigation panel reportedly opens automatically when the car is put in reverse, sometimes trapping objects placed on the dash.
2013 Lexus CT complaints: complaints filed per month6Mar 2013Jul 2015May 2019Aug 2020Apr 2021Feb 2024Aug 2025
55 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2013 to Jan 2026; peak Oct 2015 (6).

2013 Lexus CT recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2013 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.

2013 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
2015Good4016042

All Lexus CT years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2013 Lexus CT reliable?
Compared to other CT model years, the 2013 ranks 2nd worst of 6 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 80 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
What is the main problem with the 2013 Lexus CT?
Brakes are the top problem area, making up 42% of the 43 complaints filed, with a median failure mileage of 40,325.5 miles.
Does the 2013 Lexus CT have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2013 Lexus CT.
How does the 2013 CT compare to the 2014 CT?
The 2014 Lexus CT has a Complaint Index of 0 and a Best verdict, versus 80 and Avoid for the 2013, based on NHTSA complaint data.
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Lexus CT?
The 2013 Lexus CT gets 42 mpg combined (43 city / 40 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,550 according to the EPA.

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.