What Size Bulbs Does a 2018 Ford C-Max Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Moderate (Dust covers often present)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2018 Ford C-Max Have?
The 2018 Ford C-Max features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11 LED low beams and H1 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The C-Max has been available from 2013 to 2018, and the 2018 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2018 Ford C-Max?
To upgrade the 2018 Ford C-Max headlights to LED, you will need a H11 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H1 LED LED kit for the high beams. Start with the low beams since they are used most often and have the biggest impact on nighttime visibility. For the fog lights, a H11 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2018 Ford C-Max
The H11 bulb uses a quarter-turn bayonet mount that locks with a short twist. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. On the 2018 C-Max, you will likely encounter rubber dust covers behind the headlight housing. These pull off by hand or unscrew depending on the design. Allow about 15 to 20 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 H11 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2018 Ford C-Max Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
High Beam | H1 LED | Buy H1 LED |
Fog Light | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
Brake Light | 2825 LED | Buy 2825 LED |
Side Marker | 2825 LED | Buy 2825 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2827 LED | Buy 2827 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Dome Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Parking Light | 3457NA | Buy 3457NA |
Trunk Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2018 Ford C-MaxHow Long Do 2018 Ford C-Max Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2018 Ford C-Max 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 8 years old, the original bulbs on your C-Max 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 2018 Ford C-Max?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2018 Ford C-Max is cross-compatible with H8, H9, H16 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, H11 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.
2018 Ford C-Max Headlight FAQ
Did Ford C-Max Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Ford C-Max has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2013 to 2018. The low beam has used a H11 LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any C-Max year in this range, they will fit your 2018 model.
Other C-Max Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H11 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H11 LED low beam bulb: