What Size Bulbs Does a 2014 Ford Explorer Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$50 - $150 (HID System)
What Lighting System Does the 2014 Ford Explorer Have?
The 2014 Ford Explorer features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D3S projector headlights. The Explorer has been available from 1993 to 2019, and the 2014 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2014 Ford Explorer?
The 2014 Ford Explorer comes equipped with factory D3S HID/Xenon headlights. These already produce significantly more light than halogen bulbs, so upgrading is generally unnecessary. When your HID bulbs burn out, replace them with OEM-spec D3S HID bulbs to maintain the correct color temperature and beam pattern. Avoid cheap aftermarket HID bulbs as they can produce incorrect beam patterns and blind oncoming drivers. Your fog lights use a H11 LED halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2014 Ford Explorer
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Older model years like the 2014 Explorer 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. HID headlights operate at high voltage. Always disconnect the battery before working on the headlight assembly. Never touch the HID ballast while the headlights are on, and handle the D3S capsule with gloves to avoid oil contamination. 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
2014 Ford Explorer Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D3S LED | Buy HID-D3S LED |
High Beam | HID-D3S LED | Buy HID-D3S LED |
Fog Light | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 3457K LED | Buy 3457K LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Reverse Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Dome Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 3457K | Buy 3457K |
Trunk Light | LED Light | Buy LED Light |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2014 Ford ExplorerHow Long Do 2014 Ford Explorer Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2014 Ford Explorer typically last 2,000 to 3,000 hours, or about 4 to 6 years of regular driving. As HID bulbs age, they shift color toward pink or purple, which is a clear sign that replacement is needed. Flickering on startup also indicates a worn bulb or failing ballast. At 12 years old, the original bulbs on your Explorer 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 2014 Ford Explorer?
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.
2014 Ford Explorer Headlight FAQ
Did Ford Explorer Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1993 to 2019, the Ford Explorer has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2014 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2017. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2014 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Explorer Years
More from Ford
Other Vehicles That Use HID-D3S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D3S LED low beam bulb: