What Size Bulbs Does a 2011 Chevrolet Volt Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2011 Chevrolet Volt Have?
The 2011 Chevrolet Volt features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single 9012 LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Volt has been available from 2011 to 2019, and the 2011 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
Upgrading the 2011 Chevrolet Volt to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single 9012 LED dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a 9012 LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. For the fog lights, a LED Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2011 Chevrolet Volt
The 9012 bulb uses a quarter-turn bayonet mount similar to H11 but with a unique tab. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Older model years like the 2011 Volt typically offer easy access to the headlight bulbs from behind the headlight assembly under the hood. Most owners can complete the swap in under 10 minutes per side. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2011 Chevrolet Volt Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | 9012 LED | Buy 9012 LED |
High Beam | 9012 LED | Buy 9012 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 7444NA LED | Buy 7444NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Reverse Light | 3157KX | Buy 3157KX |
Dome Light | 194 | Buy 194 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 7444NA | Buy 7444NA |
Trunk Light | 175 | Buy 175 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2011 Chevrolet VoltHow Long Do 2011 Chevrolet Volt Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 15 years old, the original bulbs on your Volt are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
The 9012 low beam bulb on the 2011 Chevrolet Volt is cross-compatible with HIR2 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, 9012 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
2011 Chevrolet Volt Headlight FAQ
Did Chevrolet Volt Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2011 to 2019, the Chevrolet Volt has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Turn Signal Rear positions. The 2011 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2016. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2011 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Volt Years
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Other Vehicles That Use 9012 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a 9012 LED low beam bulb: