Research · Compact Cars
2012 Lexus CT200HRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 51 owner complaints for the 2012 Lexus CT200H. Most complaints involve engine (17) and service brakes (11). The EPA rates it 42 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
42mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
51
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$1,500est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2012 Lexus CT200H as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
51 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2012 – Apr 2025
- Engine17
- Service brakes11
- Air bags7
- Electrical system5
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Exterior lighting2
- Structure2
- Electronic stability control (esc)2
- Suspension2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Engine
17 reports1 crash
“I am writing to bring to your attention a serious safety issue that occurred with my vehicle. While driving on the expressway, the engine oil burned and the oil warning light illuminated on the dashboard, posing a significant risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. Specifically, the engine oil system malfunctioned, causing a sudden and complete loss of engine lubrication. This incident can be verified through an inspection of the vehicle, which is available upon request. My safety and the safety of other motorists were severely compromised due to this malfunction. The sudden failure of the engine oil system could have resulted in a catastrophic engine failure, potentially leading to a loss of control of the vehicle at high speeds. Fortunately, I was able to safely pull over to the side of the road, but the situation could have been much worse. Upon experiencing the issue, I had the vehicle towed to Service Center where the problem was reproduced and confirmed by a certified mechanic. They conducted a thorough inspection and confirmed that the engine oil had indeed burned, leading to the illumination of the oil warning light. The inspection…”
Service brakes
11 reports
“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 a concern.”
Air bags
7 reports1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS CT 200H. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V487000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED BECAUSE NO TECHNICIANS WERE WILLING TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SPARK TOYOTA (4855 US-501, MYRTLE BEACH, SC) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE A CERTIFIED LEXUS TECHNICIAN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT 200h Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 43 | 40 | 42 | $1,500 | 212 |
- 42mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Lexus CT200H as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 6265
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2012 CT200H questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Lexus CT200H have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2012 Lexus CT200H problems?
Owners filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (17), service brakes (11), air bags (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2012 Lexus CT200H get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Lexus CT200H at 42 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026