2025 Tesla Model 3 Bulb Sizes: Complete Lighting Guide

As an ASE-certified master technician, I get a lot of questions about modern vehicle lighting systems. When it comes to the 2025 Tesla Model 3 (continuing the "Highland" refresh architecture introduced in 2024), the lighting system is a massive departure from traditional legacy automakers. If you are looking to swap out a burnt halogen bulb in your driveway, you might be surprised by what you find under the hood—or rather, what you don't find.

The 2025 Tesla Model 3 features a 100% LED lighting system. From the sleek matrix headlights to the ambient interior lighting, there are no traditional halogen, incandescent, or HID bulbs to replace. Instead, the vehicle relies on sealed, integrated LED assemblies.

Below is the bulb size and type guide for the 2025 Tesla Model 3.

Quick reference

*Note: Fog lights are typically integrated into the lower fascia on Long Range and Performance trims, while base Rear-Wheel Drive models may lack dedicated lower fog light assemblies, relying instead on the advanced matrix headlight system.

LED vs halogen upgrade considerations

Usually, this section covers CANBUS errors, load resistors, and the hurdles of upgrading dull yellow halogen bulbs to crisp white LEDs. However, the 2025 Model 3 is entirely LED from the factory.

The biggest consideration for the modern Tesla Model 3 is its low-voltage electrical system. Tesla transitioned away from the traditional 12-volt lead-acid battery to a 16-volt lithium-ion low-voltage system. If you are attempting to wire in aftermarket accessory lighting (like illuminated emblems or aftermarket ambient light kits), you must be hyper-aware of this voltage difference. Standard 12V aftermarket LED accessories can overheat or burn out quickly when exposed to a 16V system. Furthermore, the Model 3 does not use traditional fuses; power distribution is handled by the vehicle's computer (VCFRONT and VCREFT controllers), which will electronically trip and cut power if it detects abnormal electrical draws.

How to replace each bulb

Because the 2025 Model 3 uses sealed LED housings, "replacing a bulb" actually means replacing the entire lighting assembly.

• Headlights (Low/High/DRL/Turn): If a diode burns out or the matrix projector fails, the entire headlight housing must be replaced. This involves removing the front bumper fascia. Once replaced, the new headlight must be calibrated using the software menu on the center screen or via Tesla's Toolbox diagnostic software.
• Tail Lights / Brake Lights: The rear light assemblies are split between the rear quarter panels and the trunk lid. Access involves removing the interior trunk liner. Three to four mounting nuts hold the housings in place. Disconnect the wiring harness, swap the housing, and reinstall.
• License Plate Lights: These are small, sealed LED units snapped into the trunk lid trim above the license plate. You can pry them out gently with a plastic trim tool, disconnect the micro-connector, and snap a new unit in.
• Side Markers: The side markers are integrated into the side repeater cameras on the front fenders. If the light fails, the entire camera assembly must be replaced and subsequently calibrated in the vehicle's service menu.
• Interior Dome/Map Lights: Housed within the overhead console, these are surface-mounted LEDs on a circuit board. If they fail, the overhead console assembly is replaced as a single unit.

Common lighting issues for this generation

While LEDs are designed to last the lifetime of the vehicle, issues can still arise:

1. Condensation: The most common issue with Tesla lighting assemblies is moisture buildup inside the headlights or tail lights. A light mist that clears up when the lights are on is considered normal by Tesla. However, if large water droplets form or water pools at the bottom of the housing, the seal has failed and the assembly requires replacement under warranty.
2. Software Glitches: Occasionally, a headlight may fail to turn on, or the matrix high beams may not adjust properly. Before assuming hardware failure, always check for pending over-the-air (OTA) software updates and perform a vehicle reset (holding both steering wheel scroll wheels).
3. Rear Harness Pinching: In previous generations, the trunk lid wiring harness was prone to fatigue. While improved for the 2025 Highland generation, a failure in the inner trunk tail lights can sometimes be traced back to a pinched or worn harness rather than the light assembly itself.

Dealing with integrated LED matrices and high-voltage systems can be intimidating. If your lighting system suffers physical damage or out-of-warranty failures, you don't have to tackle it alone. Find a trusted shop on Repairius.