What Size Bulbs Does a 2012 Subaru STI Wagon 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 2012 Subaru STI Wagon Have?
The 2012 Subaru STI Wagon features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2S projector headlights. The STI Wagon has been available from 2012 to 2014, and the 2012 model falls in the early-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2012 Subaru STI Wagon?
The 2012 Subaru STI Wagon comes equipped with factory D2S 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 D2S 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 2012 Subaru STI Wagon
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 2012 STI Wagon 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 D2S 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
2012 Subaru STI Wagon Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D2S LED | Buy HID-D2S LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | 9006 LED | Buy 9006 LED |
Brake Light | LED | Buy LED |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Side Marker | 168 | Buy 168 |
Turn Signal Front | 1157NA | Buy 1157NA |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Parking Light | 1157NA | Buy 1157NA |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA | Buy 7440NA |
Reverse Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Trunk Light | DE3022 | Buy DE3022 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2012 Subaru STI WagonHow Long Do 2012 Subaru STI Wagon Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2012 Subaru STI Wagon 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 14 years old, the original bulbs on your STI Wagon 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 2012 Subaru STI Wagon?
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.
2012 Subaru STI Wagon Headlight FAQ
Did Subaru STI Wagon Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Subaru STI Wagon has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2012 to 2014. The low beam has used a HID-D2S LED bulb throughout, which means replacement parts and LED upgrade kits are widely available and well-tested for this model. If you find a deal on bulbs for any STI Wagon year in this range, they will fit your 2012 model.
Other STI Wagon Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D2S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D2S LED low beam bulb: