What Size Bulbs Does a 2019 Kia Forte 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 2019 Kia Forte Have?
The 2019 Kia Forte features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H7 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Forte has been available from 2010 to 2023, and the 2019 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2019 Kia Forte?
To upgrade the 2019 Kia Forte headlights to LED, you will need a H7 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 9006 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2019 Kia Forte
The H7 bulb uses a spring clip or wire retainer that holds the bulb in the socket. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. On the 2019 Forte, 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 9006 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2019 Kia Forte Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H7 LED | Buy H7 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
Brake Light | 7506 LED | Buy 7506 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 12496 LED | Buy 12496 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 12496 LED | Buy 12496 LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 175 | Buy 175 |
Parking Light | 7528 | Buy 7528 |
Trunk Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2019 Kia ForteHow Long Do 2019 Kia Forte Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2019 Kia Forte 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 7 years old, the original bulbs on your Forte 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 2019 Kia Forte?
The H7 low beam bulb on the 2019 Kia Forte is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H7 size. 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.
2019 Kia Forte Headlight FAQ
Did Kia Forte Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2010 to 2023, the Kia Forte has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2019 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2019. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2019 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Forte Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H7 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H7 LED low beam bulb: