What Size Bulbs Does a 2019 Volkswagen GTI Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2019 Volkswagen GTI Have?
The 2019 Volkswagen GTI features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with H7 LED low beams and H9 LED high beams in a dual-bulb configuration. The GTI has been available from 1985 to 2019, and the 2019 model falls in the late-generation years. As a Volkswagen vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Volkswagen) is known to use a CANbus system that checks for burnt-out bulbs. Installing standard LEDs may cause them to flicker or trigger a dashboard error.
We highly recommend using a CANbus decoder or "Anti-Flicker" resistors.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2019 Volkswagen GTI?
To upgrade the 2019 Volkswagen GTI headlights to LED, you will need a H7 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. Important: Volkswagen vehicles use a CANbus system that detects bulb wattage. Standard LED bulbs may trigger dashboard warnings or flicker. Choose LED kits labeled "CANbus-compatible" or add inline decoder resistors to prevent these issues. For the fog lights, a LED Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2019 Volkswagen GTI
The H7 bulb uses a spring clip or wire retainer that holds the bulb in the socket. To remove the old bulb, disconnect the wiring harness first, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it out. Volkswagen vehicles are known for tight engine bay clearances around the headlight assembly. You may need to remove the air intake duct, battery cover, or wheel well liner to access the bulbs. Budget 30 to 45 minutes per side for your first replacement. 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 LED Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2019 Volkswagen GTI Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | H7 LED | Buy H7 LED |
High Beam | H9 LED | Buy H9 LED |
Fog Light | LED Fog Light | Buy LED Fog Light |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 7440NA LED | Buy 7440NA LED |
Side Marker | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Rear | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
License Plate | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Map Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Reverse Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Trunk Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2019 Volkswagen GTIHow Long Do 2019 Volkswagen GTI Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2019 Volkswagen GTI 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 7 years old, the original bulbs on your GTI 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 2019 Volkswagen GTI?
The H7 low beam bulb on the 2019 Volkswagen GTI is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact H7 size. 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.
2019 Volkswagen GTI Headlight FAQ
Did Volkswagen GTI Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 1985 to 2019, the Volkswagen GTI has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2019 model uses the newer bulb specification introduced around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2019 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other GTI Years
More from Volkswagen
Other Vehicles That Use H7 LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a H7 LED low beam bulb: