2022 Subaru Outback Bulb Sizes

Quick Reference

The 2022 Subaru Outback offers a mix of halogen and LED lighting, with higher trim levels featuring advanced OEM LED systems for headlights, high beams, fog lights, daytime running lights (DRL), and tail lights. Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, and Wilderness trims primarily utilize halogen bulbs for most exterior lighting, while Limited, Touring, and all XT trims (Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, Touring XT) come equipped with full LED front lighting.

LED vs Halogen Upgrade Considerations

Upgrading your 2022 Subaru Outback's halogen bulbs to LED can significantly improve visibility and modernize its appearance. However, there are a few important considerations:

• CANBUS Errors: Modern vehicles like the Outback use a Controller Area Network Bus (CANBUS) system to monitor electrical circuits. When you replace a halogen bulb with a lower-wattage LED, the CANBUS system may detect a difference in resistance and trigger "bulb out" warnings on your dashboard. To prevent this, you'll typically need LED bulbs with built-in CANBUS decoders or external load resistors.
• Adapters: Some aftermarket LED bulbs may require specific adapters or retainers to fit securely into the headlight housing, especially for low beam and high beam applications. Always check the product specifications for compatibility with your 2022 Outback.
• Beam Pattern: Not all LED bulbs are created equal. Poorly designed LED bulbs can create a scattered or improper beam pattern in halogen reflector housings, leading to glare for oncoming drivers and reduced down-road visibility for you. Opt for high-quality LEDs specifically designed to replicate the halogen filament's position for optimal light output.
• DRL Compatibility: If you're upgrading DRLs, ensure the LED bulbs are capable of operating at different voltage levels if your DRLs share the high beam filament. Otherwise, you might experience flickering or premature bulb failure.

How to Replace Each Bulb

• Low Beam/High Beam: Access to the headlight bulbs typically requires opening the hood and reaching behind the headlight assembly. You may need to remove a dust cap and then twist or unclip the bulb from its socket. For higher trims with OEM LEDs, these are generally not user-serviceable.
• Fog Light: Access to the fog lights is usually from underneath the front bumper or by removing a fender liner. Twist the bulb socket to remove the old bulb.
• DRL (Halogen): Similar to high beam, access from behind the headlight assembly by twisting the socket.
• Front Turn Signal: Accessed from behind the headlight assembly, twist the socket to remove.
• Rear Turn Signal/Brake Light/Tail Light (Halogen): These are typically accessed by removing screws holding the tail light assembly in place, then gently prying the assembly away from the vehicle. Once removed, twist the bulb sockets to replace the bulbs. For OEM LED tail lights, individual LEDs are not user-serviceable.
• Reverse Light: Accessed from behind the tail light assembly, similar to rear turn signals. Twist the socket.
• License Plate Light: Usually accessed by removing a couple of screws that hold the clear lens in place, then twisting the bulb socket.
• Front Side Marker: Accessed from the wheel well, often by removing a few clips on the fender liner to gain access to the back of the marker light assembly.
• Dome Light/Map Light: Use a trim removal tool to carefully pry open the clear lens cover. The bulbs usually just pull straight out or twist out.

Common Lighting Issues for This Generation

• Halogen Headlight Dimming: Over time, halogen bulbs can naturally dim. If you notice your headlights aren