What Size Bulbs Does a 2021 Honda CR-V 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 2021 Honda CR-V Have?
The 2021 Honda CR-V features a standard lighting system with 2 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The CR-V has been available from 1997 to 2022, and the 2021 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2021 Honda CR-V?
To upgrade the 2021 Honda CR-V 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.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2021 Honda CR-V
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 2021 CR-V, 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.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 2 Positions at Once
2021 Honda CR-V Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2021 Honda CR-VHow Long Do 2021 Honda CR-V Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2021 Honda CR-V 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 5 years old, your CR-V is approaching the typical replacement window for halogen bulbs. Inspect your headlights at night and compare brightness between the left and right sides. 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 2021 Honda CR-V?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2021 Honda CR-V 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.
2021 Honda CR-V Headlight FAQ
Did Honda CR-V Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1997 to 2022, the Honda CR-V has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam and High Beam positions. The 2021 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2016. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2021 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other CR-V 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: