What Size Bulbs Does a 2016 GMC Terrain 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 GMC Terrain Have?
The 2016 GMC Terrain features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Terrain has been available from 2010 to 2019, and the 2016 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2016 GMC Terrain?
To upgrade the 2016 GMC Terrain 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 LED Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2016 GMC Terrain
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 Terrain, 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 12 Positions at Once
2016 GMC Terrain Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 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 | Buy 7444NA |
Turn Signal Rear | 3057K LED | Buy 3057K LED |
Reverse Light | 921K | Buy 921K |
Dome Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 7444NA | Buy 7444NA |
Trunk Light | 194 | Buy 194 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2016 GMC TerrainHow Long Do 2016 GMC Terrain Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2016 GMC Terrain 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 Terrain 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 GMC Terrain?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2016 GMC Terrain 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 GMC Terrain Headlight FAQ
Did GMC Terrain Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2010 to 2019, the GMC Terrain has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2016 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2016 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Terrain 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: