2012 Lexus CT Brakes Problems

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.

My 2011-2013 Lexus CT200h exhibits malfunction indicator lamp illumination for the brake, ABS, and traction control systems, accompanied by diagnostic trouble code C1391. Research indicates this is a known manufacturing defect, and I possess documentation from the customer support program confirming coverage for this issue in vehicles of this model year. However, the Lexus dealership and service advisors refuse to acknowledge this coverage and saying that it is expired. Therefore, I require guidance on how to proceed with resolving this matter.

A prevalent issue observed in the Lexus CT200h and Toyota Prius V models is the internal leakage of brake accumulators, as they utilize identical part numbers. Consequently, the actuator emits a buzzing sound intermittently as it attempts to maintain the necessary gas pressure within the braking system, ultimately failing due to the leak. Numerous articles addressing this concern are available online, highlighting its significance as a safety issue. Many owners have successfully had Toyota replace the faulty part at no cost, thanks to the extended warranty covering a period of ten years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. This may be attributed to the higher prevalence of Prius vehicles on the road compared to the less common Lexus CT200h. A simple search for "C1391 danger" will yield substantial information on the topic. It is disheartening, in my view and that of many others, that a problem posing a risk to public safety due to brake failure has not been adequately addressed. The sudden onset of this issue significantly reduces stopping distances. When it occurs, warning lights for ABS, traction control, and brakes illuminate simultaneously. Notably, there are no visible brake fluid leaks associated with this actuator. While Toyota provides coverage under the extended warranty, it appears that Lexus may not offer similar support, raising concerns about the safety implications discussed across various platforms.

A common problem with these Lexus ct200h, as well as Toyota Prius V models, are that the brake accumulators begin to leak internally, as they share the same part numbers. Therefore, the actuator will buzz every few seconds trying to keep pressure in the braking system to a safe operating level of gas pressure to no avail due to this leak in the actuator. After it quits buzzing from shutting the car off, you can hear the air leak hissing the pressure away. There are many articles on this issue online as this is a major safety concern. Many have had Toyota replace the part free of charge as well due to the extended 10 year, or 150k miles, in whichever comes first. warranty. This may be perhaps because there are several more Prius on the road than this rare Lexus CT200h. There are no external brake fluid leaks involved. for this actuator. Toyota covers it under extended warranty, although it appears as though Lexus does not(?), this is a major safety hazard and concern for a heavy amount on several different websites. The trouble code is: C1391. I called Lexus of Austin and was told there are no recalls, after looking up my VIN#. Searching for “c1391 danger” will yield many incidents of this. This is quite a serious issue that needs government interference. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

the brake booster pump has gone out in the car, ive heard many others say the same thing and its all around the same milage 150k-175k

The actuator will buzz every few seconds trying to keep pressure in the braking system to a safe operating level of gas pressure to no avail due to this leak in the actuator. After it quits buzzing from shutting the car off, you can hear the air leak hissing the pressure away. There is not much stopping distances when and after this suddenly occurs. In the process, the abs, traction control, brake, a yellow exclamation mark, lights suddenly all come on the dash at once and the brake feels like a sponge very suddenly. The brake booster pump may fail causing a deactivation of the Vehicle Stability Control system and a loss of braking assist. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems."" Deactivation of the vehicle stability control system or a loss of braking assist increases the risk of a crash.

I, along with many other Lexus CT200H owners have had issues regarding the brakes on the vehicle. I have code: C1391 as reported on a diagnostic tool from Autozone. This has been an issue on my vehicle for months and I’ve read reports of this repair costing upwards to $3000!! Many of us do not have that kind of money to fix a vital function of the vehicle that rely on to keep us safe. If it’s a common and reoccurring issue, I believe it should continue being taken care of by the manufacturer. There was a recall in the past, but it isn’t fair for those who have had this issue after the recall and are responsible to pay this ridiculous amount afterwards!

The contact's son owns a 2012 Lexus CT200H. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to respond. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact's son veered to the side of the road and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the brake actuator and the brake pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the same diagnostic result was provided. The dealer related the failure to an unknown independent recall. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the recall had expired; however, they would consider assisting with the repair if the dealer completed the repair. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Lexus of Tampa Bay (5852 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33614) and was repaired; however, the manufacturer denied assistance in covering the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 105,297.

2012 LEXUS CT200H HAS THE SAME BRAKE BOOSTER, ASSEMBLY ISSUE ALL 3RD GENERATION TOYOTA PRIUS'S HAVE. THE ABS/BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHTS ALL COME IN, AND BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY IS LIMITED. ATTACHED IS A SCAN OF THE ISSUE, I HAVE SINCE CALLED LEXUS AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE ISSUE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 LEXUS CT200H. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPY ROADS OR UNEVEN PAVEMENT, THERE WAS A DELAY BETWEEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND WHEN THE BRAKES WOULD ENGAGE, EXTENDING THE BRAKING DISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LINDSAY LEXUS OF ALEXANDRIA (3410 KING ST, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22302, 571-982-7873) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.