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Fitment Guaranteed for 2009 Kia Optima

What Size Bulbs Does a 2009 Kia Optima 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 2009 Kia Optima Have?

The 2009 Kia Optima features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11B LED low beams and H1 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Optima has been available from 2002 to 2020, and the 2009 model falls in the mid-generation years.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2009 Kia Optima?

To upgrade the 2009 Kia Optima headlights to LED, you will need a H11B LED LED kit for the low beams and a H1 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 881 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.

How to Replace Bulbs on a 2009 Kia Optima

To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Older model years like the 2009 Optima 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. 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 881 LED fog light socket.

Full Upgrade Bundle

Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once

Low Beam: H11B LEDHigh Beam: H1 LEDFog Light: 881 LEDBrake Light: 921 LEDSide Marker: 168 LEDTurn Signal Front: 2357 LEDTurn Signal Rear: 1156NA LEDReverse Light: 921Dome Light: 6461License Plate: 168Map Light: 175Parking Light: 2357Trunk Light: 6418
Shop Complete LED Kit

2009 Kia Optima Complete Bulb Size Chart

PositionBulb SizeShop
Low Beam
H11B LEDBuy H11B LED
High Beam
H1 LEDBuy H1 LED
Fog Light
881 LEDBuy 881 LED
Brake Light
921 LEDBuy 921 LED
Side Marker
168 LEDBuy 168 LED
Turn Signal Front
2357 LEDBuy 2357 LED
Turn Signal Rear
1156NA LEDBuy 1156NA LED
Reverse Light
921Buy 921
Dome Light
6461Buy 6461
License Plate
168Buy 168
Map Light
175Buy 175
Parking Light
2357Buy 2357
Trunk Light
6418Buy 6418

Want to upgrade everything at once?

Shop Complete LED Kit for 2009 Kia Optima
Installation Guide
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How Long Do 2009 Kia Optima Headlight Bulbs Last?

Standard halogen headlights on the 2009 Kia Optima 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 17 years old, the original bulbs on your Optima 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 2009 Kia Optima?

The H11B low beam bulb on the 2009 Kia Optima is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H11B 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.

2009 Kia Optima Headlight FAQ

The 2009 Kia Optima uses a H11B LED bulb for the low beam headlights. We recommend upgrading to LED for better visibility.

The high beam bulb size for the 2009 Kia Optima is H1 LED.

The 2009 Kia Optima uses a dual bulb headlight system. This means you have separate bulbs for high and low beams.

Yes, the 2009 Kia Optima comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a H11B LED LED conversion kit for the low beams.

Yes, the 2009 Kia Optima takes a 881 LED bulb for the fog light position.

Turn off the vehicle and open the hood. Locate the headlight assembly from behind, remove the dust cover or retaining clip, disconnect the wiring harness, twist the old H11B LED bulb counter-clockwise to remove it, then insert the new bulb and reassemble. The whole process typically takes 10 to 30 minutes per side depending on accessibility.

LED bulbs used off-road or in auxiliary lights are legal everywhere. For on-road headlight use, legality varies by state. Many states allow LED retrofits as long as the beam pattern meets DOT standards. For the best legal compliance, choose a DOT-approved H11B LED LED kit that is designed as a direct replacement and produces a proper cutoff pattern without excessive glare.

A pair of halogen H11B LED bulbs costs $15 to $40, while LED conversion kits run $25 to $60 per pair. If you have a shop do the work, expect an additional $20 to $50 in labor per bulb. Replacing them yourself at home saves the labor cost and usually takes under 30 minutes.

Halogen bulbs produce a warm yellow light (around 3200K), last 500 to 1000 hours, and draw more power. LED bulbs emit a brighter white light (5000-6000K), last 25,000+ hours, and use less energy. LED upgrades for the H11B LED position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

Did Kia Optima Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?

Over its production run from 2002 to 2020, the Kia Optima has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2009 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2019. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2009 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.

Other Optima Years

202020192018201720162015201420132012201120102008200720062005200420032002
AmantiBorregoCadenzaForteK900NiroRioRondo

Other Vehicles That Use H11B LED Bulbs

These vehicles from other makes also use a H11B LED low beam bulb:

2013 Ford Fiesta2012 Hyundai Elantra2012 Hyundai Santa Fe2010 Hyundai Azera2010 Hyundai Entourage