Honda CR-V Headlight Bulb Size Guide by Model Year
Most halogen Honda CR-Vs use one of two headlight layouts. From 1997 to 2014 (except 2005–2006), one HB2 (9003/H4) dual-filament bulb per side handles both low and high beam. From 2015 to 2022, halogen models use an H11 low beam and a 9005 (HB3) high beam. Every 2023-and-later CR-V has LED headlights with no replaceable bulb, as do the 2017–2022 Touring and all 2020–2022 CR-V Hybrids.
Below is the full breakdown by model year and trim, plus fog light and secondary bulb sizes we could verify, and how to swap a headlight bulb yourself.
Honda CR-V Headlight Bulb Size by Model Year
| Model Years | Trims | Low Beam | High Beam | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–2001 | All | HB2 (9003) | Same bulb | One dual-filament bulb per side |
| 2002–2004 | All | HB2 (9003) | Same bulb | One dual-filament bulb per side |
| 2007–2011 | All | HB2 (9003) | Same bulb | Owner’s manual: 60/55 W HB2 |
| 2012–2014 | All | H4 / HB2 (9003) | Same bulb | Owner’s manual: 60/55 W H4/HB2 halogen |
| 2015–2016 | All | H11 (55 W) | 9005 / HB3 (60 W) | Separate low and high beam bulbs |
| 2017–2019 | LX, EX, EX-L | H11 (55 W) | 9005 / HB3 (60 W) | Halogen |
| 2017–2019 | Touring | LED | LED | Not a replaceable bulb |
| 2020–2022 | LX, EX, EX-L (gas) | H11 | 9005 / HB3 | Multi-reflector halogen |
| 2020–2022 | Touring and all Hybrid trims | LED | LED | Not a replaceable bulb |
| 2023–present | All trims | LED | LED | Standard LED headlights |
Bulb types come from Honda owner’s manuals, Honda’s official specification sheets and Honda parts catalogs. The 2005–2006 facelift is left out on purpose: Honda’s parts catalog lists an HB4 (9006) and an H1 bulb for those years, but aftermarket guides disagree on which is low and which is high beam. Pull the bulb and read the number printed on its base before ordering. In every case, confirm against your owner’s manual, because market and trim can change the fitment.
Understanding the Bulb Codes
HB2, 9003 and H4
These are the same physical bulb under different names. H4 is the European designation, and HB2/9003 are the North American ones. It has two filaments, one for low beam and one for high beam, so a single bulb per side does both jobs. The standard rating is 60/55 W. When one filament burns out you lose that beam only, which is why a CR-V can have working high beams and a dead low beam on the same side.
H11
The H11 is a single-filament 55 W bulb with an L-shaped plastic base and a twist-lock fitting. Honda uses it as the low beam on 2015–2022 halogen CR-Vs, and it also appears in some CR-V fog lights. H8 and H9 bulbs use a very similar base, but they are rated at different wattages. Fit the bulb your manual specifies, not just one that clicks in.
9005 / HB3
The 9005 is a single-filament 60 W high-beam bulb. It is not interchangeable with the 9006 (HB4) because the bases are keyed differently.
Fog Light and Other Bulb Sizes
Fog lights were not fitted to every trim, so check whether your CR-V has them before buying bulbs.
| Model Years | Fog Light (where equipped) | Other Verified Bulbs |
|---|---|---|
| 2002–2004 | H11 | — |
| 2007–2011 | H11 | Front turn 7440 (21 W amber); stop/tail 7443 (21/5 W); back-up 21 W; license plate 168/194 (5 W) |
| 2012–2014 | Check your manual | — |
| 2015–2016 | H11 | — |
| 2017–2019 | H8 (EX, EX-L, Touring) | — |
| 2020–2022 | LED (EX and above, all Hybrid trims except LX) | Back-up 921 |
| 2023–present | LED where fitted | Exterior lighting is largely LED |
Rows marked with a dash mean we could not confirm those secondary bulbs from at least two reliable sources, so we did not list them. Your owner’s manual has a full bulb chart in its specifications section. Newer CR-Vs use LED tail, brake and turn signals on many trims, and these are replaced as an assembly rather than as a bulb.
How to Replace a Halogen Headlight Bulb
On most halogen CR-Vs you change the headlight bulb from inside the engine bay without removing the headlight housing. Allow 15 to 30 minutes per side.
- Buy the right bulb. Use the table above, then confirm by reading the code on the old bulb. Replace bulbs in pairs, since the other side is usually close to failing and new bulbs are brighter.
- Turn off the lights and engine. Let the old bulb cool for several minutes. Halogen bulbs run very hot.
- Open the hood and find the back of the headlight. Look for the wiring connector plugged into the rear of the housing. If space is tight, you may need to unclip the air intake duct or move the washer filler neck aside.
- Unplug the connector. Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the bulb. Don’t pull on the wires.
- Remove the bulb. On HB2 bulbs, remove the rubber dust cover and release the retaining clip or twist the bulb out, depending on year. On H11 and 9005 bulbs, turn the bulb about a quarter-turn counterclockwise and pull it out.
- Install the new bulb without touching the glass. Skin oil creates hot spots that can make a halogen bulb fail early. If you touch it, wipe the glass with rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth.
- Lock it in and reconnect. Turn or clip the bulb into place, refit any dust cover, and push the connector on until it clicks.
- Test both beams. Check low beam, high beam and flash-to-pass before closing the hood. Then check headlight aim against a wall at night. A bulb that isn’t fully seated will throw light in the wrong place.
If the light still doesn’t work with a new bulb, check the fuse and connector before assuming a wiring fault. Our CR-V troubleshooting guide is a good starting point, and the dashboard symbol guide explains any lighting warning lights.
What About LED Headlights?
Factory LED headlights on the 2017–2022 Touring, the 2020–2022 Hybrids and all 2023-and-later CR-Vs are built into the headlight assembly. There is no bulb to replace. If an LED headlight fails, the usual fix is a new headlight assembly, which costs much more than a bulb. Check whether your Honda warranty still covers it before paying.
Many owners of halogen CR-Vs consider aftermarket LED “plug-and-play” bulbs. These are widely sold, but in the US, replacement LED bulbs used in a housing designed for halogen bulbs are generally not DOT-compliant. A reflector built for a halogen filament can also scatter LED light and dazzle oncoming drivers. If you want brighter light legally, a higher-output halogen bulb of the correct type is the safer choice.
FAQ
Are the CR-V low beam and high beam the same bulb?
On 1997–2004 and 2007–2014 CR-Vs, yes. One HB2 (9003/H4) bulb per side provides both. On 2015–2022 halogen models, no. The low beam is an H11 and the high beam is a 9005.
What headlight bulb does a 2018 Honda CR-V EX use?
An H11 for the low beam and a 9005 (HB3) for the high beam. The fog lights on the EX use an H8. The 2018 Touring has LED headlights instead.
Can I replace an LED headlight bulb on a 2023 CR-V?
No. The 2023-and-later CR-V uses LED headlights on all trims, and the light source is part of the headlight assembly. A failure is usually repaired by replacing the assembly.
How often should CR-V halogen headlight bulbs be replaced?
There is no fixed interval. Replace them when one fails or when they become noticeably dim or yellow, and do both sides together. Checking all exterior lights during routine service, as part of your CR-V maintenance schedule, catches problems early.
The Bottom Line
For a halogen CR-V, buy an HB2/9003 for 1997–2004 and 2007–2014 models, or an H11 low beam plus a 9005 high beam for 2015–2022 models. The 2017–2022 Touring, the 2020–2022 Hybrid and all 2023-and-later CR-Vs have LED headlights with no bulb to change. Read the code on your old bulb and check your owner’s manual before ordering, especially for a 2005–2006 model.
