What Size Bulbs Does a 2016 Ford Escape SEL 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 2016 Ford Escape SEL Have?
The 2016 Ford Escape SEL features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Escape SEL has been available from 2015 to 2016, and the 2016 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2016 Ford Escape SEL?
To upgrade the 2016 Ford Escape SEL headlights to LED, you will need a H11 LED LED kit for the low beams and a 9005 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 9145 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2016 Ford Escape SEL
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 2016 Escape SEL, 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 9145 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2016 Ford Escape SEL Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | 9145 LED | Buy 9145 LED |
Brake Light | LED | Buy LED |
Dome Light | LED | Buy LED |
Side Marker | 168 | Buy 168 |
Turn Signal Front | 7440NA | Buy 7440NA |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | LED | Buy LED |
Parking Light | 12396NA | Buy 12396NA |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA | Buy 7440NA |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Trunk Light | LED | Buy LED |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2016 Ford Escape SELHow Long Do 2016 Ford Escape SEL Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2016 Ford Escape SEL 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 10 years old, the original bulbs on your Escape SEL 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 2016 Ford Escape SEL?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2016 Ford Escape SEL 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. For the high beams, the 9005 is interchangeable with HB3. 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.
2016 Ford Escape SEL Headlight FAQ
Did Ford Escape SEL Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Ford Escape SEL has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2015 to 2016. 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 Escape SEL year in this range, they will fit your 2016 model.
Other Escape SEL 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: