2011 Lexus CT hybrid: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Lexus CT hybrid?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Lexus CT hybrid than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Corroded fuel pipes12.3× usual
  Lexus CT

  3.7% All 2011 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Link ball joint covers1.8× usual
  Lexus CT

  4.4% All 2011 cars

  2.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2011 Lexus CT hybrid MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Lexus CT hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  22% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  20% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  18% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Rust and bodywork
  5% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

  At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

Known faults on the 2011 Lexus CT hybrid

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Centre console rattles (older cars)

  Older cars

  Some older cars rattle and squeak around the centre console. Otherwise very few problems are reported, and it scored 99.2% in What Car?'s survey.

  At the viewing: Listen around the console on a rough road.

  Source: What Car?: used Lexus CT (2011-2021) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Lexus CT hybrid

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the corroded fuel pipes? (Flagged at MOT 12.3× as often on the 2011 Lexus CT hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2011 Lexus CT hybrid as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?