What Size Bulbs Does a 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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 2012 Toyota 4Runner Have?
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11 LED low beams and 9005 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The 4Runner has been available from 1985 to 2023, and the 2012 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2012 Toyota 4Runner?
To upgrade the 2012 Toyota 4Runner headlights to LED, you will need a H11 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 H11 LED LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2012 Toyota 4Runner
The H11 bulb uses a quarter-turn bayonet mount that locks with a short twist. 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 2012 4Runner 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 H11 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2012 Toyota 4Runner Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
High Beam | 9005 LED | Buy 9005 LED |
Fog Light | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | 7443 LED | Buy 7443 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 1156NA LED | Buy 1156NA 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 | 168 | Buy 168 |
Parking Light | 168 | Buy 168 |
Trunk Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2012 Toyota 4RunnerHow Long Do 2012 Toyota 4Runner Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2012 Toyota 4Runner 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 14 years old, the original bulbs on your 4Runner 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 Toyota 4Runner?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2012 Toyota 4Runner is cross-compatible with H8, H9, H16 bulbs. These share the same physical base and electrical connection, so they will fit the socket. However, H11 is the recommended size because it is optimized for the wattage and beam pattern designed into your headlight housing. 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 Toyota 4Runner Headlight FAQ
Did Toyota 4Runner Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1985 to 2023, the Toyota 4Runner has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2012 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2014. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2012 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other 4Runner Years
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Other Vehicles That Use H11 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H11 LED low beam bulb: