What Size Bulbs Does a 2012 Subaru Tribeca 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 Tribeca Have?
The 2012 Subaru Tribeca features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D1S projector headlights. The Tribeca has been available from 2008 to 2014, and the 2012 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2012 Subaru Tribeca?
The 2012 Subaru Tribeca comes equipped with factory D1S 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 D1S 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 H3 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 Tribeca
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 Tribeca 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 D1S 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 H3 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2012 Subaru Tribeca Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D1S LED | Buy HID-D1S LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H3 LED | Buy H3 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | 1157 LED | Buy 1157 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2357NA LED | Buy 2357NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 1156 LED | Buy 1156 LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Dome Light | DE3022 | Buy DE3022 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Parking Light | 2357NA | Buy 2357NA |
Trunk Light | 912 | Buy 912 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2012 Subaru TribecaHow Long Do 2012 Subaru Tribeca Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2012 Subaru Tribeca 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 Tribeca 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 Tribeca?
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 Tribeca Headlight FAQ
Did Subaru Tribeca Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
The Subaru Tribeca has maintained consistent bulb sizes across all model years from 2008 to 2014. The low beam has used a HID-D1S 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 Tribeca year in this range, they will fit your 2012 model.
Other Tribeca Years
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Other Vehicles That Use HID-D1S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D1S LED low beam bulb: