Is the 2013 Lexus CT reliable?

The 2013 Lexus CT has 58 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: BRAKES problems.

What are common problems with the 2013 Lexus CT?

Top problems: BRAKES (18 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (14 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (4 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2013 Lexus CT?

No recalls have been issued for the 2013 Lexus CT.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2013 Lexus CT?

The 2013 Lexus CT gets 42 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1143. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2013 Lexus CT?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2013 Lexus CT is approximately $1,971/year (sedan-luxury class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2013 Lexus CT

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2013 Lexus CT has 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.9x the segment average of 30. The most common issue is brakes problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2013 lexus ct hybrid (n/a). the contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph with the brake pedal depressed the brakes disengaged when driving over any uneven surface on the road. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the technician stated the vehicle wa. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 6 crash reports 4 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BRAKES

18 complaints

31%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LEXUS CT HYBRID (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED THE BRAKES DISENGAGED WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE WA
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LEXUS CT. WHILE COASTING INTO AN ELEVATED DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED BRAKE FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF
• 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.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LEXUS CT HYBRID (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED THE BRAKES DISENGAGED WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE WA”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2013 Lexus CT

Based on 30 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 42K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

High-mileage issuemedian 126K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2013 Lexus CT

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,143

Per month

$95

Per mile

9.5¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,117/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,200/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Lexus CT

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,971

Full coverage / month

$164

Liability only / year

$710

vs US avg

+18%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-luxury)1.28x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1971

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Lexus CT Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

Toyota Motor Corporation-recommended 10K interval with 0W-20 synthetic. Hybrid models use conventional service intervals; battery is 10-year warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Lexus New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

4 yr / 50K mi

Powertrain

6 yr / 70K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

4 yr / unlimited mi

Hybrid battery is now 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids

These are the terms for a new Lexus. If you're buying a used 2013 CT, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Lexus dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

LIGHTING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 58 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 LEXUS CT HYBRID (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED THE BRAKES DISENGAGED WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY UNEVEN SURFACE ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE VEHICLE WA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: VIOLENT SHUDDER/SHAKING OF THE ENGINE. WHEN THE CT200H IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION THE ENGINE PERIODICALLY SHAKES VIOLENTLY SOMETIMES UP TO 30 SECONDS THEN IT GOES AWAY. IT HAPPENED ON COLD OR HOT STARTS. THE EGR HAS BEEN CLEANED FROM CARBON BUILD UP, HAS NEW SPARK PLUGS AND COILS ARE GOOD. I HAV
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE SUNROOF ON MY 2013 LEXUS CT200H EXPLODED WITH A DEAFENING BANG. WINDOWS WERE ROLLED UP, AC RUNNING, SUNROOF CLOSED. I WAS NOT NEAR A BRIDGE, NOR WAS SOMEONE NEXT TO ME WHO COULD HAVE THROWN SOMETHING. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO THE LEXUS DEALER IN AUSTIN TEXAS,
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)