What Size Bulbs Does a 2010 Subaru WRX STI 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 2010 Subaru WRX STI Have?
The 2010 Subaru WRX STI features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D2S projector headlights. The WRX STI has been available from 2004 to 2019, and the 2010 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2010 Subaru WRX STI?
The 2010 Subaru WRX STI 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 2010 Subaru WRX STI
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 2010 WRX STI 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
2010 Subaru WRX STI 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 Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | 168 LED | Buy 168 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1157NA LED | Buy 1157NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Reverse Light | 7440 | Buy 7440 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 168 | Buy 168 |
Map Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Parking Light | 1157NA | Buy 1157NA |
Trunk Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2010 Subaru WRX STIHow Long Do 2010 Subaru WRX STI Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2010 Subaru WRX STI 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 16 years old, the original bulbs on your WRX STI 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 2010 Subaru WRX STI?
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.
2010 Subaru WRX STI Headlight FAQ
Did Subaru WRX STI Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2004 to 2019, the Subaru WRX STI has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, Fog Light and Brake Light positions. The 2010 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2010 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other WRX STI 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: