What Size Bulbs Does a 2021 Toyota Tacoma Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Moderate (Dust covers often present)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Have?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H11 LED low beams and H9 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The Tacoma has been available from 1995 to 2023, and the 2021 model falls in the late-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
To upgrade the 2021 Toyota Tacoma headlights to LED, you will need a H11 LED LED kit for the low beams and a H9 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 2021 Toyota Tacoma
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. On the 2021 Tacoma, you will likely encounter rubber dust covers behind the headlight housing. These pull off by hand or unscrew depending on the design. Allow about 15 to 20 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
2021 Toyota Tacoma Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
High Beam | H9 LED | Buy H9 LED |
Fog Light | H11 LED | Buy H11 LED |
Brake Light | 168 LED | Buy 168 LED |
Side Marker | 7443 LED | Buy 7443 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 7443 LED | Buy 7443 LED |
Reverse Light | 921 | Buy 921 |
Dome Light | DE3175 | Buy DE3175 |
License Plate | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Map Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 7442NA | Buy 7442NA |
Trunk Light | LED Light | Buy LED Light |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2021 Toyota TacomaHow Long Do 2021 Toyota Tacoma Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 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 5 years old, your Tacoma is approaching the typical replacement window for halogen bulbs. Inspect your headlights at night and compare brightness between the left and right sides. 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 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
The H11 low beam bulb on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 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 H9 is interchangeable with H11, H8. 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.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Headlight FAQ
Did Toyota Tacoma Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1995 to 2023, the Toyota Tacoma has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2021 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2016. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2021 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other Tacoma 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: