2012–2013 Subaru Forester Headlight and Bulb Sizes

Which Subaru Forester model years does this cover?

These headlight bulbs specifications apply to every Subaru Forester built from 2012 through 2013 — the SH (3rd generation), compact crossover suv. 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 2012–2013 Subaru Forester

• 20122.5X Touring trim added above 2.5X Limited with HID headlights, a rearview camera, dual-zone automatic climate control, and silver roof rails; 2.5XT models gain a larger rear spoiler
• 2012–2013Facelift years of the SH generation; non-turbo trims run the newer FB25 while the 2.5XT retains the EJ25 turbo through the end of production in 2013
• 2013Minor changes only: Sky Blue dropped from the exterior color palette, replaced by Marine Blue and Deep Cherry Pearl

What headlight bulb does a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester use?

H11 for the low beam and 9005 (HB3) for the high beam. Trims with factory LED or HID projectors use a sealed assembly instead and are not bulb-serviceable.

Can you put LED bulbs in a 2012–2013 Subaru Forester?

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.