Used car guide

2021 Lexus CT: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Lexus CT first registered in 2021: we looked at the 599 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

599MOTs of 2021 cars, done in 2023–2025
93%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
9,400typical miles a year
19%had tyres flagged

Common 2021 Lexus CT MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Lexus CT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    19% 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
    7% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Lights and electrics
    3% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    1% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    1% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 Lexus CT

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 2021 Lexus CT

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Lexus CT?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Lexus CT compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20203,767Tyres 24%
20195,717Tyres 26%
20188,105Tyres 26%
20178,815Tyres 27%
20168,783Tyres 28%
201510,422Tyres 28%
201411,298Tyres 27%
201310,956Tyres 29%
201212,571Tyres 28%
201111,269Tyres 30%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Lexus CT cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score