2014–2018 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 2014 through 2018 — the SJ (4th 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 2014–2018 Subaru Forester

• 2014Full redesign: all-new SGP-adjacent platform, FA20DIT turbo replaces the EJ25 turbo and moves to the CVT, first EyeSight availability on Forester
• 2015Standard rearview camera added across all trims; 18-in wheels become available on the 2.5i
• 2016New touchscreen-based infotainment interface across the lineup, with a standard 6.2-in touchscreen on the base 2.5i trim
• 2017Facelift: revised front/rear styling, updated infotainment, LED headlight option on Touring
• 2018Final year of this generation

What headlight bulb does a 2014–2018 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 2014–2018 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.