What Size Bulbs Does a 2007 Subaru Forester Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Easy (Plug and Play)
Est. Replacement Cost
$50 - $150 (HID System)
What Lighting System Does the 2007 Subaru Forester Have?
The 2007 Subaru Forester features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2R projector headlights. The Forester has been available from 1998 to 2019, and the 2007 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2007 Subaru Forester?
The 2007 Subaru Forester comes equipped with factory D2R HID/Xenon headlights. These already produce significantly more light than halogen bulbs, so upgrading is generally unnecessary. When your HID bulbs burn out, replace them with OEM-spec D2R HID bulbs to maintain the correct color temperature and beam pattern. Avoid cheap aftermarket HID bulbs as they can produce incorrect beam patterns and blind oncoming drivers. Your fog lights use a 9006 LED halogen bulb, which can be upgraded to LED for a whiter color match with your HID headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2007 Subaru Forester
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 2007 Forester 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. HID headlights operate at high voltage. Always disconnect the battery before working on the headlight assembly. Never touch the HID ballast while the headlights are on, and handle the D2R capsule with gloves to avoid oil contamination. 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 13 Positions at Once
2007 Subaru Forester Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D2R LED | Buy HID-D2R LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
Brake Light | 912 LED | Buy 912 LED |
Side Marker | 168 LED | Buy 168 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Parking Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Trunk Light | LED Light | Buy LED Light |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2007 Subaru ForesterHow Long Do 2007 Subaru Forester Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2007 Subaru Forester typically last 2,000 to 3,000 hours, or about 4 to 6 years of regular driving. As HID bulbs age, they shift color toward pink or purple, which is a clear sign that replacement is needed. Flickering on startup also indicates a worn bulb or failing ballast. At 19 years old, the original bulbs on your Forester 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 2007 Subaru Forester?
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.
2007 Subaru Forester Headlight FAQ
Did Subaru Forester Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1998 to 2019, the Subaru Forester has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2007 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2007 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Forester Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D2R LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D2R LED low beam bulb: