What Size Bulbs Does a 2012 Volvo XC90 Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$50 - $150 (HID System)
What Lighting System Does the 2012 Volvo XC90 Have?
The 2012 Volvo XC90 features an extensive lighting system with 13 bulb positions. It uses factory HID/Xenon technology with D1S projector headlights. The XC90 has been available from 2004 to 2019, and the 2012 model falls in the mid-generation years.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2012 Volvo XC90?
The 2012 Volvo XC90 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 H1 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 Volvo XC90
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Volvo 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. 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 H1 LED fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 13 Positions at Once
2012 Volvo XC90 Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D1S LED | Buy HID-D1S LED |
High Beam | H9 LED | Buy H9 LED |
Fog Light | H1 LED | Buy H1 LED |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Side Marker | 2825 LED | Buy 2825 LED |
Turn Signal Front | 2827 LED | Buy 2827 LED |
Turn Signal Rear | 12496 LED | Buy 12496 LED |
Dome Light | 212-2 | Buy 212-2 |
License Plate | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Map Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Parking Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Reverse Light | 7506 | Buy 7506 |
Trunk Light | 6418 | Buy 6418 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2012 Volvo XC90How Long Do 2012 Volvo XC90 Headlight Bulbs Last?
HID/Xenon headlights on the 2012 Volvo XC90 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 XC90 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 Volvo XC90?
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.
2012 Volvo XC90 Headlight FAQ
Did Volvo XC90 Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2004 to 2019, the Volvo XC90 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 2018. 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 XC90 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: