2012–2019 U502 (5th generation)
2012–2019 Ford Explorer Headlight and Bulb Sizes
Headlight bulb types vary by trim on the 2012–2019 Ford Explorer. Full bulb chart for every position, plus whether LED replacements fit the factory housings.
Last verified
2012–2019 Ford Explorer bulb chart
| Position | Bulb type |
|---|---|
| Low beam | 9005/HB3 halogen (2011–2015); H11 halogen (2016–2019); D3S HID or LED on Limited/Sport/Platinum with premium lighting |
| High beam | 9005 (HB3) halogen (all years, non-HID/LED) |
| Fog light | H11 (2011–2015); H16/9145-style on 2016–2019. Check the installed bulb |
| note | Halogen headlight housings only; HID/LED-equipped trims need assembly- or module-level repair, not a bulb |
Bulb fitments can vary with option packages (halogen vs. LED lighting). Confirm the bulb you are removing matches before ordering.
Which Ford Explorer model years does this cover?
These headlight bulbs specifications apply to every Ford Explorer built from 2012 through 2019 — the U502 (5th generation), mid-size 3-row crossover suv (unibody, fwd/awd). Nothing in this specification changes between those model years. Pick your year for the engines it offered, what changed that year, and the problems recorded against it.
What changed during the 2012–2019 Ford Explorer
- 20122.0L EcoBoost joins as an FWD-only economy option (no tow package)
- 2013Explorer Sport added: 365-hp 3.5L EcoBoost, AWD, 352mm brakes, 20-in wheels
- 2014Essentially unchanged: a few new exterior colors added; Limited trim gains standard heated second-row seats
- 2015Essentially unchanged: Limited trim adds an available adaptive cruise control option, with second-row heated seats offered as an option lineup-wide
- 2016Major facelift: new front/rear styling, 280-hp 2.3L EcoBoost replaces the 2.0L, Platinum trim (3.5L EcoBoost) added, SYNC 3 arrives mid-cycle; low-beam bulb changes to H11
- 2018–2019Minor updates; carryover mechanicals in the final years before the RWD-platform redesign
2012–2019 Ford Explorer headlight bulbs: common questions
What headlight bulb does a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer use?
- 9005/HB3 halogen (2011–2015); H11 halogen (2016–2019); D3S HID or LED on Limited/Sport/Platinum with premium lighting for the low beam and 9005 (HB3) halogen (all years, non-HID/LED) for the high beam. Trims with factory LED or HID projectors use a sealed assembly instead and are not bulb-serviceable.
What fog light bulb does a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer take?
- H11 (2011–2015); H16/9145-style on 2016–2019. Check the installed bulb.
Can you put LED bulbs in a 2012–2019 Ford Explorer?
- Physically, yes, LED replacements exist in every common base. Whether they work well depends on the housing: a reflector housing designed around a halogen filament scatters LED output into oncoming traffic instead of down the road. Projector housings tolerate the swap far better. Some vehicles also flag the lower current draw as a bulb-out fault.
Sources
- Ford. What is the recommended engine oil for my vehicle? (oil/filter lookup)
- NHTSA EA17-002 ODI resume, Explorer exhaust odor engineering analysis
- NHTSA recall 21V-537 (Ford 21S32), rear suspension toe link
- NHTSA recall 24V-031 (Ford 24S02), A-pillar trim detachment
- Ford Authority / CarComplaints, 3.5L water pump class action dismissed after settlement
- Ford.com parts, Motorcraft BXT-65-850 Group 65 battery fitment
- Ford.com parts, Motorcraft SP-546 spark plug (gap 0.045)
- Ford.com parts, Motorcraft FP-70 cabin air filter (CV6Z-19N619-A)
- fueleconomy.gov, 2013 and 2017 Ford Explorer EPA ratings
- WiperBladesUSA, 2016 Explorer wiper sizes 26/22/11