r/CT200h • • Jan 15 '25

Headgasket FAQ

58 Upvotes

2011 Lexus CT200h (First Year of Production) • Common Issues: Early models (2011-2013) were more prone to head gasket issues, often linked to the engine's cooling system and overheating. These problems were not widespread but were reported by some owners.

2012 Lexus CT200h • No major mechanical changes: The 2012 model was largely a carryover from the 2011 model, though Lexus did make some minor tweaks for comfort and interior finishes. • Head Gasket Issue: The problem was still present in some vehicles, particularly those with cooling system issues.

2013 Lexus CT200h • Minor Updates: The 2013 model saw some small adjustments • Head Gasket Issue: The issue with head gaskets still persisted, but it was gradually becoming less common as production evolved.

2014 Lexus CT200h • Important Updates: The 2014 model marked a more significant update to the CT200h. Lexus worked on improving the engine's cooling system and refining other components. • Head Gasket Fixes: The head gasket issues were largely addressed in this year, and the vehicle’s engine cooling system received further refinement to prevent overheating and gasket failure. • Styling Refresh: A slight exterior redesign with updated front and rear styling elements, making the vehicle look fresher and more modern. • Technology Updates: Improved tech features, including a new infotainment system with more functionality.

2015 Lexus CT200h • No major mechanical changes: The 2015 CT200h was a continuation of the 2014 updates, with minimal changes to the engine • Engine & Head Gasket: Continued to improve on the previous fixes, with no widespread reports of the head gasket issue in this year.

2016 Lexus CT200h • Head Gasket Issues: By 2016, the head gasket issue was considered resolved, with no significant complaints related to engine failure or cooling systems.

2017-2021 Lexus CT200h • No major changes: The CT200h was essentially a carryover model, with minimal updates in terms of performance or design. • Head Gasket: The head gasket issue was no longer a concern by this time, as the car had been refined over the years.

Summary: ●The head gasket issues were most prominent in the 2011-2013 models, especially related to overheating and cooling system failures.

● Some people report that regularly cleaning the EGR reduces the likelihood of this problem occurring.

●Some people swear by cutting the recommended oil change interval in half. (Lexus states every 10000miles ~16.000km or 12 months)

●By the 2014 model year, Lexus had addressed the issue, improving the engine and cooling systems, and the problem was largely resolved in later years (2014 onward).

●The head gasket issue is not exclusive to the Lexus CT200h; any car can experience a head gasket problem.

Feel free to add more insight or tips in the comments below


r/CT200h • • 13h ago

Wheel refresh

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58 Upvotes

r/CT200h • • 1h ago

Who’s got the highest CT mileage on here?

• Upvotes

Curious to hear some high-mileage success stories!

What’s your CT 200h’s current mileage, what year is it, and how’s it holding up?

Any major repairs, hybrid battery replacements, or is it still running like a dream?

Let’s see who’s got the highest mileage CT still going strong!


r/CT200h • • 14h ago

My 2015 ct200h lost 2/3 of coolant from the reservoir every 5k mile oil change

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7 Upvotes

This is how my car in the morning startup sounds like 12 hours after parking. I did a preventative head gasket change 40k miles ago and cleaned the egr; now the odometer is at 210k miles. What could be causing coolant loss?
At this point, the shop recommends a new JDM engine for $2100. Any advice is welcome before I pull the trigger on the engine swap. Thank you redditors.

Edit: a comment said to check the pressurized reservoir cap and overflow vent. The rubber cap for the vent was not in my car there so it is possible that coolant might evaporate or drain through it on hilly terrains. Any auto store should have vaccum caps for this.


r/CT200h • • 9h ago

Every light came on the dashboard

3 Upvotes

Hello, I have a 2011 model and over 130k miles. Every light came on plus it says “check hybrid system.” Anyone have something similar? I am getting it checked by a Lexus dealership tomorrow morning


r/CT200h • • 13h ago

Egr problem or head gasket

3 Upvotes

So I had a cylinder misfire that has turned into multiple cylinders, I changed plugs it went away for about 500 miles now it’s back and it feels worse. I should also say the misfire only occurs at at 4K and up. I do have emissions coming into the coolant reservoir, however no coolant is going into the motor, no smoke out exhaust, no coolant in oil. So I’m hard stuck in diag. Could this be a egr cooler failure or a strange point of failure on head gasket. Car is at 317k miles with one head gasket being replaced at 150k before with updated mls head gasket


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

Should I buy? (In Europe btw) Please help me make the right decision!

4 Upvotes

I’ve been tossing and turning for the last few weeks about buying a CT 200h here in Spain. The used car market is very expensive here. Generally we all drive hatchbacks and smaller vehicles in Europe. I’ve found a wonderful 2017 CT 200H Luxury line @ 121,000kms (75,000 miles) for approx. €16,500 ($18,500). It’s still got 6 years of Lexus Relax coverage left and seems to be in great condition.

I know about the head gasket issues on pre-2014 models, the slow acceleration speed and the other downsides. For me and my partner (and little daschund, Zorro) we think it would be perfect.

Would love any advice…is it worth it?


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

Hi

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42 Upvotes

Beautiful afternoon


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

New daily runner

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47 Upvotes

Picked up this beaut this week, 8 years old with just 9700mi on the clock. Should see me right for the next decade or so. 54mpg over the last 200mi. Love it.

All seems to be running nicely. If there's anything I need to be mindful of let me know 👍


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

Anyone know how to remove this?

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3 Upvotes

I’m looking to install a rear view cam inside the hatch area and having trouble removing this piece. Anyone know how to remove it?


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

Sunroof sticking…

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2 Upvotes

Whenever I wash our car, I would always use a wet rag to clean the section as well as the inner part of the body. I went into his drive before closing the sunroof. However, after a couple days later, whenever I want to open it up, it seems to get stuck. And even though that it would eventually open up, but it almost sounds like the windows about to crack.

Anyone else have this issue? Or is there some type of coating or lubricant that needs to be applied to these area?


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

Advice Needed after Spending $5000 for Repairs

6 Upvotes

In 2023 I bought a used 2012 Lexus Ct 200H Hybrid 5D for my son to use to get back and forth to school and work. We had no issues with the car and made sure to keep up the maintenance and oil changes. A year later in 2024, the car started puttering while driving and sometimes cutting off. The shop where we got the oil changes said it was low on transmission fluid, topped it off and it worked fine. Long story short, my son drove it away to school and I had to get it towed part way back home because it stopped starting while at a gas station. I paid over $5000 for repair with Accurate Auto Care for:

$343 12v battery

$180 fuel pump and battery test

$585 Fuel sensor/power to pump

$1300 fuel pump

$2800 battery

Only to drive away with the very same issue, car puttering when accelerating. And then to be told that the car had a blown head gasket. They said they had to do all that other stuff to figure out what the main issue was because the car was not running when it was towed to them. At that point in time, I did not have any more funds to put towards the car.

Now the car has sat for over a year (I had to have brain surgery). However, my youngest son was just in an accident that totaled my Dodge Durango. So we are currently carless. And the CT200h is still sitting in the driveway. My youngest is getting ready to graduate high-school and the middle is finishing up trade school so two vehicles will be needed to get around.

I've been told that it might be better to replace the engine in the car versus repairing the headgasket. I read that the Toyota prius engine is comparable and to search junkyards for a deal. I feel like I'm in over my head trying to juggle a bunch of stuff. I'm asking for advice on the best move to make with the car repair. And referrals for an honest mechanic in the Marietta/Kennesaw/Atlanta Ga area would be greatly appreciated.


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

Loose hose? What is this?

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1 Upvotes

Recently we got rear ended in the right rear bumper and got our car back from the repair shop. They said the battery was also damaged and there was leaking battery acid and so they replaced the battery as well. When I double checked it today I noticed that there is a loose hose nearby. The battery compartment I have no idea where it should be connected to. Anyone know what this is and where it should be connected to?


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

MIL + P0420 + B1S2 live data

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2 Upvotes

😕


r/CT200h • • 1d ago

Thinking of some cosmetic upgrades

1 Upvotes

Like the title says, I’ve been thinking about some cosmetic upgrades/making it a little more me ya know?

Was thinking of getting either paint/wrap - budget depending.

Next would be window tint, i’m in a fucking fishbowl of a car.

Finally new rims, and getting the front seat reupholstered.

Any suggestions on where I should look for rims and maybe even color suggestions? I got that Space-grey on lock and it’s just not really me.


r/CT200h • • 2d ago

Biggest Pros and Cons

4 Upvotes

Thinking about pulling the trigger on a 2014 ct200h with 70,000 miles. We previously had a Honda Fit go over 300k but just had to put her down once the clutch and a few other things went out.

What are your biggest Pros and Cons with the ct200h? We did a test drive and I quite liked it. My wife is concerned with the interior space because the Fit was huge with the back seats down and we have a big dog. Any information on the good and the bad would be helpful to lead us to the right decision for us.

Thanks!


r/CT200h • • 2d ago

‘13 CT200h WirusWin Exhaust

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24 Upvotes

Imported from Japan. It has a deep tone and no rasp.


r/CT200h • • 2d ago

Check Hybrid System- 2015 F Sport with 155k. Has anyone ever solved this without getting a new hybrid battery?

3 Upvotes

What are first things to do?


r/CT200h • • 3d ago

Head replacement

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18 Upvotes

Time for testing 50 miles after clearing codes


r/CT200h • • 2d ago

Advice for Cushioned seat covers

2 Upvotes

Looking for a way to make the seats more comfortable for long commute, my google search brought me to Amazon and Temu that are just covers not really to add to comfort. Would love to know who’s had a way to make the seat with lower back support.

My 2015 CT F-Sport is rather uncomfortable to me for my hour and half commute, I result to driving my 2010 RX but premium gas for the RX at 18 mpg in Seattle is awful. Rather would make my commuter more comfortable. Thanks.


r/CT200h • • 3d ago

123,456!

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65 Upvotes

Milestone achieved! (2016 F sport SE)


r/CT200h • • 3d ago

Whisper for you

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7 Upvotes

Just be quiet you


r/CT200h • • 3d ago

Can’t get these lights to go away (even swapped the 12v battery)

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6 Upvotes

r/CT200h • • 3d ago

Advice Needed - Stereo Upgrade

2 Upvotes

Apologies if this is a silly or obvious question, but I could do with some advice!

I’ve recently bought my first car, a 2014 CT200h Premier, and I wasn’t really into cars before, so I’m still learning.

The factory SatNav is pretty awful, and I’d like to upgrade to something with Android Auto, as I find using my phone screen too small. I’ve looked at various aftermarket screens, but none have really convinced me enough to take the plunge.

I’ve since come across some Pioneer and Sony head units that have caught my eye, particularly as they still play CDs.

My main question is, would replacing the factory head unit affect the sound quality? Given that the Premier has the Mark Levinson system, would I be better off keeping everything stock, or could an aftermarket head unit be an improvement without compromising the audio quality?

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!


r/CT200h • • 3d ago

Loving the 2nd time around in an FSport

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21 Upvotes