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Fitment Guaranteed for 2003 Subaru Outback

What Size Bulbs Does a 2003 Subaru Outback 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 2003 Subaru Outback Have?

The 2003 Subaru Outback features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H1 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Outback has been available from 2000 to 2019, and the 2003 model falls in the early-generation years.

Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2003 Subaru Outback?

To upgrade the 2003 Subaru Outback headlights to LED, you will need a H1 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 2003 Subaru Outback

The H1 bulb uses a wire clip retainer that snaps over the bulb base. 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 2003 Outback 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 9006 LED fog light socket.

Full Upgrade Bundle

Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once

Low Beam: H1 LEDHigh Beam: 9005 LEDFog Light: 9006 LEDBrake Light: 912 LEDSide Marker: 1157NA LEDTurn Signal Front: 1156NA LED or 1157NA LEDTurn Signal Rear: 1157 LEDReverse Light: 1156Dome Light: DE3175License Plate: 168Map Light: DE3175Parking Light: 1157NATrunk Light: 2825
Shop Complete LED Kit

2003 Subaru Outback Complete Bulb Size Chart

PositionBulb SizeShop
Low Beam
H1 LEDBuy H1 LED
High Beam
9005 LEDBuy 9005 LED
Fog Light
9006 LEDBuy 9006 LED
Brake Light
912 LEDBuy 912 LED
Side Marker
1157NA LEDBuy 1157NA LED
Turn Signal Front
1156NA LED or 1157NA LEDBuy 1156NA LED or 1157NA LED
Turn Signal Rear
1157 LEDBuy 1157 LED
Reverse Light
1156Buy 1156
Dome Light
DE3175Buy DE3175
License Plate
168Buy 168
Map Light
DE3175Buy DE3175
Parking Light
1157NABuy 1157NA
Trunk Light
2825Buy 2825

Want to upgrade everything at once?

Shop Complete LED Kit for 2003 Subaru Outback
Installation Guide
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How Long Do 2003 Subaru Outback Headlight Bulbs Last?

Standard halogen headlights on the 2003 Subaru Outback 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 23 years old, the original bulbs on your Outback 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 2003 Subaru Outback?

The H1 low beam bulb on the 2003 Subaru Outback is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H1 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.

2003 Subaru Outback Headlight FAQ

The 2003 Subaru Outback uses a H1 LED bulb for the low beam headlights. We recommend upgrading to LED for better visibility.

The high beam bulb size for the 2003 Subaru Outback is 9005 LED.

The 2003 Subaru Outback uses a dual bulb headlight system. This means you have separate bulbs for high and low beams.

Yes, the 2003 Subaru Outback comes with standard halogen bulbs from the factory, but they can be upgraded to LED. You will need a H1 LED LED conversion kit for the low beams.

Yes, the 2003 Subaru Outback takes a 9006 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 H1 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 H1 LED LED kit that is designed as a direct replacement and produces a proper cutoff pattern without excessive glare.

A pair of halogen H1 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 H1 LED position are available as direct plug-and-play replacements.

Did Subaru Outback Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?

Over its production run from 2000 to 2019, the Subaru Outback has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, Fog Light and Brake Light positions. The 2003 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2003 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.

Other Outback Years

2019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200220012000
B9 TribecaBRZBajaBratCrosstekForesterImprezaJusty

Other Vehicles That Use H1 LED Bulbs

These vehicles from other makes also use a H1 LED low beam bulb:

2011 Honda Odyssey2010 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid2009 Jeep Patriot2007 Lexus LX4702006 Acura RSX2005 Mazda 6