DecodedCars2012 Lexus CT
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 200h 4 Dr Hatchback/F-Sport
- Engines
- 1.8L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 42 combined · 43 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 170.1 in
- Curb weight
- 4,057 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 42 MPG combined — 64% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Lexus CT is a compact car offered with a 1.8L 4-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 170 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,057 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 42 MPG combined (43 city / 40 highway), 64% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $1,600 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 43 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 CT — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 CT →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200h 4 Dr Hatchback/F-Sport | 170.1 in | 69.7 in | 56.7 in | 102.4 in | 59.4 / 60.2 in | 4,057 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT 200h Hybrid | 1.8L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 43 / 40 / 42 | +64% | $1,600 | 212 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Lexus CT.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Lexus CT (this car) | 42 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Volvo C30 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 BMW 1 Series | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Lexus HS | 34 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Air Bags › Side/Window · Jun 30, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V487000 · 482,002 vehicles
- Problem
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Toyota Prius, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid, and 2011-2012 Lexus CT200h vehicles. A weld in the curtain shield air bag inflator may crack causing one or both portions of the inflator to eject into the passenger cabin.
- Risk
- If either portion of the curtain shield air bag inflator ejects into the passenger cabin, there is an increased risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
- Fix
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will install retention brackets to the curtain shield air bags, free of charge. The recall began on October 17, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Service Department at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is Toyota G0U, and Lexus GLJ.
Not every 2012 Lexus CT is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Lexus CT buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 16 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Air Bags — 7 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 90,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Lexus CT. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CT years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Lexus. How we calculate this →