What Size Bulbs Does a 2013 Nissan Leaf 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 2013 Nissan Leaf Have?
The 2013 Nissan Leaf features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H13 LED low beams and H9 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Leaf has been available from 2011 to 2019, and the 2013 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2013 Nissan Leaf?
To upgrade the 2013 Nissan Leaf headlights to LED, you will need a H13 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H9 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 H11 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2013 Nissan Leaf
The H13 bulb uses a twist-lock base with a keyed tab for alignment. 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 2013 Leaf 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 H11 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2013 Nissan Leaf Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H13 LED | Buy H13 LED |
High Beam | H9 LED | Buy H9 LED |
Fog Light | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 2827 | Buy 2827 |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA | Buy 7440NA |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Trunk Light | DE3022 | Buy DE3022 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2013 Nissan LeafHow Long Do 2013 Nissan Leaf Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2013 Nissan Leaf 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 13 years old, the original bulbs on your Leaf 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 2013 Nissan Leaf?
The H13 low beam bulb on the 2013 Nissan Leaf is cross-compatible with 9008 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, H13 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. For the high beams, the H9 is interchangeable with H11, H8. The H13 is a dual-filament bulb, meaning one bulb contains two separate filaments for low and high beams. This is a different design from single-filament bulbs like H11 or 9005. Make sure any LED replacement is specifically designed for dual-filament operation. 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.
2013 Nissan Leaf Headlight FAQ
Did Nissan Leaf Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2011 to 2019, the Nissan Leaf has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2013 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2013 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Leaf Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H13 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H13 LED low beam bulb: