Problems · NHTSA complaints
2013 Lexus CT200H problems
Owners filed 40 complaints about the 2013 Lexus CT200H with NHTSA between Mar 2013 and Mar 2025. The most-cited component is service brakes (13).
Complaints
40
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Service brakes13
- Engine13
- Structure4
- Electrical system3
- Exterior lighting3
- Suspension2
- Vehicle speed control2
- Air bags2
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Engine and engine cooling1
- Wheels1
- Power train1
- Steering1
- Visibility1
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 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
1
6
1
5
0
4
6
3
5
0
5
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 6 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 5 |
| 2018 | 0 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Service brakes
13 reports2 crashes
“The brake booster and pump are a known issue for all CT200 models 2011-2013. The brakes do not work as intended which is a safety issue. The attached file is acknowledgement by Lexus that this is an issue. Though they are not covering the problem”
Engine
13 reports1 fire
“Early morning cold start in open loop engine starts to rattle and knock. Cleaned out EGR system, including intake manifold. Engine still rattles and knocks. Swapped out ignition coils and fuel injectors with new still and still the same thing. DTC sets after a week of troubleshooting for P0303, P0301, and P0300. Switched cylinder ignition coils and fuel injectors from cylinder 1 to 2 and 3 to 4. Same DTC sets after drive cycle. Leak down test confirms cylinder 3 has head gasket leak. Registration was just paid and was going to have it smog test. Unable to pass smog due to check engine light. I had went to Lexus dealer to have them update my car for EGR update according to TSB (see attachment) but they wouldn’t do it unless I pay $300 SMFH!!! What a day! Which engineer suggested this stupid design?!?! And wtf the EGR cooler, more like a heater, has coolant running into housing which raises the engine coolant temp. Exhaust gas may go up to a temp of 600 degrees!! Look at live data and monitor catalyst temp from OBD2. This design was to intentionally cause a head gasket failure. Blades in EGR cooler gets clogged with carbon build up, where carbon will eventually…”
Structure
4 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Electrical system
3 reports1 fire
“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 engine oil going on fire. The car is only 5 months old and Carmax will not pay for the repair which could cost me 5,000 dollars. I paid 27,000 for the car.”
Exterior lighting
3 reports
“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.”
Suspension
2 reports1 crash
“: _TIRE MALFUNCTION - IN MOTION - IN NEIGHBORHOOD - WHILE TURNING. *TR”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.