What Size Bulbs Does a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 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 GMC Sierra 1500 Have?
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 features an extensive lighting system with 11 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single HID-D5S LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The Sierra 1500 has been available from 2001 to 2018, and the 2018 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2018 GMC Sierra 1500?
Upgrading the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single HID-D5S 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 HID-D5S 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 2018 GMC Sierra 1500
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. On the 2018 Sierra 1500, 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 LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 11 Positions at Once
2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D5S LED | Buy HID-D5S LED |
High Beam | HID-D5S LED | Buy HID-D5S LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | 921 LED | Buy 921 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 7444NA LED | Buy 7444NA LED |
Side Marker | 194 LED | Buy 194 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7444 LED | Buy 7444 LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 7444NA | Buy 7444NA |
Trunk Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2018 GMC Sierra 1500How Long Do 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 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 Sierra 1500 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 GMC Sierra 1500?
The D5S low beam bulb on the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact D5S size. 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 GMC Sierra 1500 Headlight FAQ
Did GMC Sierra 1500 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2001 to 2018, the GMC Sierra 1500 has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2018 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2016. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2018 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Sierra 1500 Years
More from GMC
Other Vehicles That Use HID-D5S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D5S LED low beam bulb: