2022 Subaru Forester — Bulb Sizes (Headlight, Tail, Fog)

Quick reference

Notes on trim differences:

• For 2022, Subaru made LED projector headlights standard across the Forester lineup (Base, Premium, Sport, Wilderness, Limited, Touring). These use sealed LED modules (no replaceable low/high bulbs). No factory HID option.
• Fog lights may be absent on some Base models, halogen H16 on certain packages, and LED on Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring.
• Exterior signal and rear combination lamp build can vary by market and production date; the sizes above reflect the most common U.S.-spec 2022 Forester.

LED vs halogen upgrade considerations

• Headlights: Because the 2022 Forester uses sealed LED projectors, there is no direct “bulb” upgrade. Improving output means replacing the entire headlamp assembly with an approved unit—consult local laws and warranty implications.
• Fog lights (H16): Drop-in LED H16/H11 replacements are popular. Choose a quality, focused LED to avoid glare. Many plug-and-play options work without errors; space behind the bumper is limited, so check heat sink depth.
• Turn signals (7444NA front, 7440 rear): LED swaps can trigger hyperflash. Use CANBUS/anti-hyperflash LED bulbs with built-in resistors, or add external 6–ohm load resistors per circuit. Ensure the bulb base (standard vs CK) matches the socket wiring.
• Brake/tail (7443): LED upgrades can work well and reduce heat. Use dual-intensity 7443 LEDs that maintain a clear difference between tail and brake brightness. Some vehicles monitor brake light load; if you see warnings or rapid flash after upgrades, use CANBUS bulbs.
• Reverse (921) and license (168): Easy LED wins—no hyperflash concerns. Pick non-polarity 921 LEDs for fewer installation surprises.
• Interior (194, 31mm): LED conversions run cool and brighten the cabin. Verify festoon length (31mm) before ordering.

How to replace each bulb

• Fog light (H16): Turn the wheel for access, remove the inner fender clips, reach behind the fog housing, twist bulb counterclockwise, swap, and test before reassembly.
• Front turn signal (7444NA): From behind the headlamp, locate the lower socket, twist to remove, swap bulb. If upgrading to LED, test hazards before reassembly to check for hyperflash.
• Front side marker (168/194): Access from behind the headlamp; twist the small wedge socket, pull bulb straight out, insert new wedge.
• Rear turn (7440): Open the liftgate, remove the two lamp screws, pull the tail lamp straight rearward to release clips, twist the turn socket, replace bulb.
• Brake/tail (7443): With the same tail lamp removed, locate the dual-filament socket, swap the 7443. Verify dim (tail) and bright (brake) functions.
• Reverse (921): In the same rear lamp, twist the clear-lens socket and replace with a 921 bulb. Test in reverse with the parking brake set.
• License plate (168/194): Remove the small lens from beneath the garnish, twist the socket or pop the lens (depending on trim), replace wedge bulb.
• Interior map (194): Carefully pry the lens, pull the wedge bulb, insert LED or new 194, test before snapping the lens back.
• Interior dome (31mm festoon): Pry the lens, release the festoon from spring clips, install the 31mm lamp. Observe polarity with LEDs—flip if it doesn’t light.

Headlights/DRL: The sealed LED headlamps are not user-serviceable. If one fails, the assembly must be replaced; consider warranty coverage.

Common lighting issues for this generation

• Hyperflash after LED turn upgrades: Use CANBUS bulbs or add proper resistors mounted to metal away from wiring.
• Moisture/condensation in lamps: Light fogging can be normal; standing water or persistent condensation indicates a bad seal or vent—reseal or replace the housing.
• Cheap LED flicker or radio interference: Choose quality, EMC-compliant bulbs with constant-current drivers.
• Dim halogen fog performance: If keeping halogen H16, use premium 19W-rated bulbs; avoid over-wattage that can melt housings.
• Socket heat damage on 7443/7440: Aged sockets can get brittle; replace pigtails if contacts are discolored or loose.
• Headlamp aim complaints: After suspension/cargo changes, re-aim the headlamps per spec to restore cutoff and reduce glare.

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