GREEN CHOICE
2012
Used 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
GREEN CHOICE

Lexus CT 200h

Unlock Ratings
No question, there is a need out there for a plusher Toyota Prius, combining fuel economy and versatility with added luxury. The Lexus CT 200h tries to take the mantle, but leaves a lot to be desired and ultimately, doesn't really live up to expectations. The good news: It gets an impressive 40 mpg overall. But if you expect a Lexus experience in a small package, chances are you'll be disappointed.
Alerts
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.
GREEN CHOICE
2012
Used 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

Lexus CT 200h

Reliability
See All
Owner Satisfaction
See All
Crash and Rollover Tests
IIHS Front Moderate Overlap Good
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver NA
IIHS Side Crash Good
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Driver NA
NHTSA Frontal-Crash, Passenger NA
See All

Road Test Results

Performance
Acceleration Acceleration Acceleration tests are conducted on a smooth, flat pavement straightaway at the track. Time, speed, and distance measurements are taken with a precise GPS-based device that’s hooked to a data-logging computer.
0 to 60 mph 0 to 60 mph (sec.) The time in seconds that a vehicle takes to reach 60 mph from a standstill with the engine idling.
Transmission Transmission Transmission performance is determined by shifting smoothness, response, shifter action, and clutch actuation for manual transmissions.
Braking Braking The braking rating is a composite of wet and dry stopping distances and pedal feel. Braking distance is from 60 mph, with no wheels locked.
Emergency Handling Emergency Handling Several factors go into the rating, including the avoidance maneuver speed and confidence, as well as how the vehicle behaves when pushed to its limit.
Comfort / Convenience
Ride Ride Our expert judgment of how well the suspension isolates and absorbs road imperfections and how steady it keeps the body on various road surfaces.
Noise Noise Our expert judgment of the vehicle's interior noise level in everyday driving.
Front Seat Comfort Front Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the front seat is for drivers of various heights.
Rear Seat Comfort Rear Seat Comfort Our judgment of how comfortable the rear seat is for two passengers to sit across.
Interior Fit and Finish Interior Fit and Finish An expert evaluation of the interior quality and craftsmanship.
Trunk/Cargo Area Trunk/Cargo Area Our rating is based on the amount of luggage or cargo space that a vehicle has in the trunk or cargo area.
Fuel Economy & Emissions
Fuel Economy Fuel Economy We perform our own fuel-economy tests, independent of the government's often-quoted EPA figures and the manufacturers' claims. Using a precise fuel-flow measuring device spliced into the fuel line, we run two separate circuits to represent city and highway consumption.
CR's Overall Mileage CR's Overall Mileage CR's overall mileage is a composite of measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course and highway cruising; and CR's 150-mile test trip of mixed driving, if tested. In recent road tests, we've discontinued the 150-mile trip test.
CR's City Mileage CR's City Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed city course.
CR's Highway Mileage CR's Highway Mileage Measured fuel usage on a prescribed highway cruising.
Annual Fuel Cost Annual Fuel Cost The cost and amount of fuel used in 12,000 miles and is calculated from CR's overall mileage.
Greenhouse Gas Greenhouse Gas The Greenhouse Gas Rating represents the amount of carbon dioxide the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Smog Rating Smog Rating The Smog Rating represents the amount of health-damaging and smog-forming airborne pollutants the vehicle emits compared to other vehicles of the same model year. This score from the EPA ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).

Owner Reports

Worse Better
Reliability History Reliability History The reliability charts are based on responses on hundreds of thousands of vehicles from our latest Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on any serious problems they had with their vehicles during the past 12 months that they considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or downtime, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below. The results are presented relative to the average model that year. Extra weight is given to the more serious areas such as major engine or transmission problems. Based on this data and further analysis, we predict reliability for the latest year. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
NA
2012
2013
2014
NA
2015
NA
2016
NA
2017
NA
2018
2019
2020
2021
Reliability Trouble Spots
Engine Major Engine Major Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
Engine Minor Engine Minor Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.
Engine Cooling Engine Cooling Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.
Transmission Major Transmission Major Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.
Transmission Minor Transmission Minor Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.
Drive System Drive System Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
View all Reliability
Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction To learn about satisfaction, CR has collected survey data from our annual survey on more than half a million vehicles. Our subscribers provide great insights into their satisfaction by answering one simple question: If they had it to do all over again, would they definitely buy or lease the same model? In addition, respondents also rate their cars in six categories: driving experience, comfort, value, styling, audio, and climate systems. N/A indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
NA
2015
2016
NA
2017
NA
2018
2019
2020
2021
Driving Experience Driving Experience Includes acceleration and handling
Comfort Comfort Includes seats, climate control, noise, and ride
Value Value Did you get what you wanted relative to the price you paid?
Styling Styling How it looks inside and out
View all Owner Satisfaction
Safety Equipment
ABS and ESC standard. Side and head protection air bags standard.
Road Test

No question, there is a need out there for a plusher Toyota Prius, combining fuel economy and versatility with added luxury. The Lexus CT 200h tries to take the mantle, but leaves a lot to be desired and ultimately, doesn't really live up to expectations.

The good news: It gets an impressive 40 mpg overall. But if you expect a Lexus experience in a small package, chances are you'll be disappointed. With a stiff ride, a noisy and extremely tight cabin, this stylish, green hatchback can be taxing. Sporty looks create a pretense, but ultimately the handling and slow acceleration don't match the image. Stiff suspension and small dimensions make it capable enough and secure when pushed, but that's not enough to make the CT fun to drive.

Seating
2 front, 3 rear
Drive Wheels
Front
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Body Styles
4-door hatchback
Transmissions Available
  • CVT
Engines Available
  • 1.8-liter 4 hybrid (134 hp)

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Lexus CT 200h owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

12V power plug

"actually its the 12v battery that keeps the lights on, controls the auto theft. when we go away for 2 or more weeks. the battery dies. we've had it replaced twice under warranty."

Kasha W., FL (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

"The anti theft system leaks the starter battery every year. We are on a 3rd battery since we have owned the vehicle [3 years!!]"

Kasha W., FL (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"You cannot access the 'driving' battery in this car. I'm not sure it even has one. IF the battery dies (as it has two or three times when an interior light was left on by mistake), you can jump start the car using the under-hood positive and negative connections, but as soon as those receive power, the car's alarm goes off because you're trying to start the car while the hood is open. It thinks you're trying to hotwire it. It's frustrating! There is a work-around that Lexus taught us, but it's not intuitive."

Maxwell A., CA (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Cruise control

"Non functional 80% of the time. Dealer analyzed briefly but was unable, said it was intermittent and therefore irresolvable"

Richard V., CA (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Headlights

"One headlight went out. This was due to a system failure that resulted in a recall and repair of the underlying problem."

Anonymous, IL (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"the headlights keep going out! can't drive at night when this happens."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The auto high-beam dimming system has never worked properly. It's been checked out by the Lexus dealer and they can't find the fault. The car was purchased used and it doesn't make sense to me financially to pay to have this fixed since I can dim the high beams myself for free..."

Maxwell A., CA (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Passenger side low beam bulb burned out. Replaced on our own."

Anonymous, NY (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Electrical relay failure disabled headlights. Fixed under warranty. Took 1 hours to diagnose, 3-days to order part, 1.5 hours to fix. Fixed at no cost"

Stephen M., ON (2012 Lexus CT 200h F Sport 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Heated or cooled seats

"After owning the car for 3 years, the drivers side seat heater malfunctioned resulting in needing to replace the entire seat heating element to the cost of $1,500. This was very disappointing as we don't really use the seat heater that often and the car only has 46k miles on it. It was way to soon for this item to fail."

Anonymous, WA (2012 Lexus CT 200h F Sport 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
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Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Drain plugs behind engine were clogged, forcing water into the passenger department, underneath carpets, rotting electrical and audio components ($1000+ repair). Dealer indicated this is a common problem .. don't understand why Lexus scheduled service doesn't include cleaning out these drain holes. Also, the passenger compartment is extremely noisy"

Terry H., MO (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Squeaks or rattles

"There are rattling sounds from the dash and driver's side door panel area"

Anonymous, OR (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The fan which blows air throughout the cabin makes a slight squeaking noise while the car is stationary. When the car begins to accelerate the squeaking noise gets louder for just a few seconds. After the car is sufficiently moving the squeak is no longer noticeable likely because road noise drowns it out"

Matt P., GA (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"There is a loud groan from the brakes if I have to brake quickly. Most of the time the groaning sound comes after the car has just been turned off. We have taken the care to the service center several times and they can not find any problems."

Ladonna B., SC (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"When opening driver side door it makes a popping and grinding noise. Coming from a metal tracking arm on the door. Dealer can not fix noise without changing several parts which is pricey. Decided to live with noise"

Jay C., TN (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"It's basically a corolla/prius what do you expect"

Lenora A., GA (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Interior rattle sounds from passenger airbag and interior, front door panels near window controls. Issue is covered under CPO warranty, but has yet to be resolved"

Anonymous, OR (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Wind noise

"Passenger compartment excessively noisy ... very poor sound/wind insulation"

Terry H., MO (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"This is a noisy car. There are wind noises coming from the windows and you can definitely hear the surrounding traffic."

Ladonna B., SC (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"loud when driving on the freeway"

Anonymous, ID (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
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In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

CD player

"It just stopped working. We took it in, new player had to be ordered, we took it back for replacement"

Anonymous, CA (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"I like the car a lot, but it makes the electronic devices too confusing."

Anonymous, MD (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Rear entertainment system (e.g., DVD player, rear screen)

"The DVD player is way too complicated for me to use."

Anonymous, MD (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Voice control commands

"The cabin is noisy and the voice commands are not understanding me even if I tell into the microphone. Very sporadic system"

Kasha W., FL (2012 Lexus CT 200h 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Load more

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"There is no blind spot warning, at least one that is not too complex to use."

Anonymous, MD (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"The safety systems became very complicated to use. Since I have not had accidents, the complexity of the systems incentivized me to drive my car the old fashioned way."

Anonymous, MD (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Keyless won't detect key fob"

Anonymous, GA (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

"The bumper I’d held on by one small cheap plastic fastener. Is has dislodged once and required replacement of a new bumper for 3000$ and now it has happened again. Cheap shoddy disastrous in a lexus. And infuriating"

A K., NJ (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
Loose interior trim or moldings

"The weather stripping on drive door is loose"

Anonymous, AB (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Had to have both rear struts replaced. Mechanic said this was common in this model"

Anonymous, CA (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

"Rear strut leak, replaced under warranty"

Anonymous, TX (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

"Door hinge on drivers side was binding. Lexus replaced it in a timely manner"

Mike R., FL (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Hybrid/electric battery replacement

"rubber gasket in left rear wheel well apparently degraded & water got in shorted battey pack"

Robert G., FL (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Traction control

"The stability traction control renders the car immobile in the snow. This can cause a serious hazard. The manual does not tell you how to disengage it and there is no button to disengage it. This almost resulted in my daughter be hit because the car"

Eric J., UT (2012 Lexus CT 200h F Sport 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"Oil leak discovered at 75000 mile inspection. Returned to Lexus dealer for evaluation, all repairs covered as ca pr was ONE DAY still under warranty!"

Barbara D., PA (2012 Lexus CT 200h Base 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Was a massive oil leak was fixed after haggling with dealer"

Lenora A., GA (2012 Lexus CT 200h Premium 1.8-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump, thermostat, overheating.

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

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