What Size Bulbs Does a 2008 Honda Pilot Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2008 Honda Pilot Have?
The 2008 Honda Pilot 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 Pilot has been available from 2003 to 2022, and the 2008 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2008 Honda Pilot?
To upgrade the 2008 Honda Pilot 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 2008 Honda Pilot
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. Older model years like the 2008 Pilot 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. 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
2008 Honda Pilot 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 2008 Honda PilotHow Long Do 2008 Honda Pilot Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2008 Honda Pilot 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 18 years old, the original bulbs on your Pilot 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 2008 Honda Pilot?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2008 Honda Pilot 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.
2008 Honda Pilot Headlight FAQ
Did Honda Pilot Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2003 to 2022, the Honda Pilot has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam and High Beam positions. The 2008 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2006. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2008 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Pilot 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: