Full Dodge Durango Bulb Size Breakdown: A Practical Owner’s Guide
Last Updated on 2025-12-21
Why the Dodge Durango bulb size matters
If you daily a Durango, tow with it, or haul family and gear in all weather, your lights are not decoration. They are safety, comfort, and a quiet little insurance policy against things going sideways on a dark highway. Knowing the correct Dodge Durango bulb size for your model means you can swap tired halogens, upgrade to modern LEDs, and fix annoying failures without wasting time or money on parts that do not fit.
I have seen owners buy random bulbs on sale, only to discover they do not lock into the housing, trigger errors, or scatter light everywhere. That turns into egregious amounts of money thrown at the problem with zero value. A clear Dodge Durango bulb size roadmap solves that. You pick the right type once, you get your dream outcome: brighter, cleaner light, better night confidence, and fewer surprises at inspection time.
This guide walks through three main generations of Durango, explains the most common exterior and interior bulb sizes, shows where halogen and HID/LED options differ, and gives some grounded tips on LED upgrades, replacement, and when DIY is no bueno. Sprinkle in a bit of urgency here: lighting is one of those cheap upgrades that can produce a disproportionate bump in safety and perceived vehicle value.
Keep this open while you shop or wrench. Whenever you see a table, that’s your quick-reference tool for the specific Dodge Durango bulb size you need for that generation.
Quick lighting snapshot by generation
Before we dive into details, it helps to zoom out. First-generation Durango (1998–2003) runs on classic dual-filament 9007 headlights, simple halogen fogs, and wedge-style bulbs in the rear. Second-generation trucks (2004–2009) move to H13/9008 combination headlamps, with 9006 or 9145 fog lights depending on year. Third-generation Durango (2011–2023) splits into halogen and HID setups, with H11 or 9012/9005 capsules on one side and D1S/D3S HID projectors on higher trims, plus modern fog lamps and LED-friendly interior bulbs.
The point: the phrase “Dodge Durango bulb size” does not mean one single chart. It is a stack of slightly different specs depending on year, trim, and whether your truck left the factory with HID projectors. Once you identify your generation, everything gets easy.
First-generation Durango (1998–2003) bulb overview
Gen 1 Durango covers the early body-on-frame trucks. Lighting is straightforward, mechanically simple, and friendly for DIY. Headlights use 9007 dual-filament bulbs (high and low in one), fog lamps are small halogens, and the rear uses standard 3156/3157 wedges. Both parts catalogs and LED upgrade charts treat 1998–2003 as one family for headlamp sizing, so you can treat that as one bucket.
Below is a practical table for common Dodge Durango bulb size needs on these trucks. Where you see combined sizes (for example, T10/194/168), you can run any of those base codes, and they all have compatible footprints.
| Position | Function | Bulb type (with amazon search) |
| Front | Headlight high/low | 9007 / HB5 |
| Front | Fog light (halogen) | 880 / 881 |
| Front | Front turn signal/parking | 3157 |
| Front | Daytime running light (where equipped) | 3156 / 3157 |
| Rear | Brake / tail | 3156 / 3157 |
| Rear | Reverse (back-up) | 3156 / 3157 |
| Rear | Rear turn signal | 3157 |
| Exterior | License plate | T10 / 194 / 168 |
| Interior | Dome / overhead | 211-2 (578) |
| Interior | Map / courtesy / cargo | T10 / 194 |
For first-gen trucks, upgrading the 9007 headlights and the 3157 rear bulbs to LEDs gives a big perceived-value bump. If you want a generic starting point while reading this, open a tab with something like 9007 LED bulb options and compare lumen claims, beam patterns, and cooling designs as you go.
Whenever someone asks online for a quick Dodge Durango bulb size cheat sheet for a 2000 or 2001 truck, the answer usually matches that table. Still, always confirm against the socket on your actual vehicle, because decade-old wiring and previous owners can surprise you.Second-generation Durangoo (2004–2009) lighting
Second-gen Durango moves to a bulkier front end and a different headlamp strategy. Instead of the older 9007 dual-filament bulb, these years mainly run H13/9008 combination bulbs. Some 2006 trucks get 9006 low-beam capsules in certain markets, which is where people start to confuse the Dodge Durango bulb size discussion. The fog lights changed from 9006 in 2004–2006 to 9145/H10 in 2007–2009.
Here is a practical table that covers the majority of second-gen setups. If your build date is near a changeover year, treat this as guidance and still peek at the numbers molded into the plastic housing.
| Position | Function / years | Bulb type (with amazon search) |
| Front | Headlight high/low (2004–2009 halogen capsule) | H13 / 9008 |
| Front | Fog light (2004–2006) | 9006 / HB4 |
| Front | Fog light (2007–2009) | 9145 / H10 |
| Front | Front turn signal / parking | 3157 |
| Front | Daytime running light (where used) | 3156 / 3157 |
| Rear | Brake / tail (2004–2009) | 3156 / 3157 |
| Rear | Reverse (back-up) | 3156 / 3157 |
| Rear | Rear turn signal | 3157 |
| Exterior | License plate | T10 / 194 / 168 |
| Interior | Dome / map | 211-2 (578) |
| Interior | Curtsey / cargo / glove box | T10 / 194 |
Second-gen owners often talk about the value of replacing yellowed factory capsules with a decent LED kit. The H13 / 9008 position is where you get the biggest visual upgrade, followed by the 9145 fogs on late trucks. Again, the crucial phrase here is Dodge Durango bulb size, not vague “brightest bulb on the internet”. Fitment first, lumens second.Third-generation Durangoo (2011–2023) lighting breakdown
Third-gen Durango shifts to a more modern SUV with projector headlamps, available HID systems, and styling-focused LED signatures. That is where many owners start mixing up halogen low beams, HID bulbs, and DRL behavior. If you are trying to decode a modern Dodge Durango bulb size chart, you have to separate three buckets: 2011–2013, 2014–2015, and 2016+ with small variations.
Third-gen: 2011–2013 core sizes
| Position | Function (2011–2013) | Bulb type (with amazon search) |
| Front | Low beam (halogen capsule) | H11 (H8 / H9 family) |
| Front | Low beam (HID projector) | D1S HID |
| Front | High beam | 9005 / HB3 |
| Front | Fog light | PSX24W / 2504 |
| Front | DRL (many trims use high beam) | 9005 / HB3 |
| Rear | Brake / tail | 3157 |
| Rear | Reverse (back-up) | T15 (912 / 921) |
| Exterior | License plate | T10 / 194 |
| Interior | Dome / map / courtesy | T10 / 211-2 |
Third-gen: 2014–2015 updated projectors
| Position | Function (2014–2015) | Bulb type (with amazon search) |
| Front | Headlight (halogen projector, high/low/DRL) | 9012 / HIR2 |
| Front | Headlight low (HID option) | D3S HID |
| Front | Fog light | H11 (H8 / H9 family) |
| Rear | Reverse (back-up) | T15 (912 / 921) |
| Exterior | License plate | T15 (912 / 921) |
| Interior | Dome / map / courtesy | T10 / 194 |
Third-gen: 2016–2023 halogen and HID mix
| Position | Function (2016–2023) | Bulb type (with amazon search) |
| Front | Headlight (halogen capsule high/low/DRL) | 9005 / HB3 |
| Front | Headlight low (HID projector trims) | D3S HID |
| Front | Fog light (most trims) | H11 |
| Front | Fog light (some newer LED-style housings) | H16 |
| Rear | Brake / tail / turn | 3157 |
| Rear | Reverse (back-up) | T15 (912 / 921) |
| Exterior | License plate | T10 / 194 |
| Interior | Dome / map / door / cargo | T10 / T15 / 211-2 |
On late trucks, the big fork in the road is simple: halogen capsule front lighting built around 9005, or HID projectors wired around D3S. When someone complains that their LED kit does not fit their 2020 Durango, the mismatch usually starts with an incorrect Dodge Durango bulb size assumption in the front lamps.
If you want to compare front options right away, a generic link like 9005 LED bulb search is a neat sandbox for checking different heat sinks, warranties, and claims while you read.
Common lighting problems on the Durango
Across all generations, a few lighting issues repeat. Headlight haze is the first one. Output drops, the beam scatters, and even a high-value LED kit cannot save you if the lens has turned cloudy. In that case, the Dodge Durango bulb size is still important, but restoration or new housings matter more than raw lumens.
Second, early trucks with 3157 bulbs in the rear sometimes melt sockets when higher-wattage bulbs go in. That is where cheap no-name LEDs can grate on your belief system: they promise more light and end up cooking plastic. Sticking to sane power draw and a balanced demand curve between brightness and heat is the move.
Third, modern Durangos with HID projectors occasionally show one side pinking out or failing to ignite. That points to D1S or D3S bulbs aging, or ballasts starting to fail. Swapping both sides in pairs gives you consistent color and avoids a mismatched, low-value appearance.
Finally, error messages and hyperflash crop up when you stuff high-output LEDs into circuits designed for halogen. Resistor packs or CANbus-compatible bulbs help, though you always want to avoid wiring that looks like a spaghetti sculpture behind your taillights.
How to choose LED upgrades that make sense
LED upgrades feel like free money: more light, lower power draw, longer life. Reality is more nuanced. If you want to squeeze genuine value out of a Dodge Durango bulb size upgrade, approach LEDs like a small business decision rather than impulse shopping.
- Match the exact bulb base (H11 vs 9005 vs 9012, etc.) before worrying about color or lumens.
- Look for a clear beam pattern photo, not only a lumen number shouting at you.
- Check cooling design – big fans, compact heat sinks, or passive braids each affect fitment in Durango housings.
- Favor a sensible warranty over wild marketing; a one-year guarantee beats hype with no backup.
I like to think in terms of value discrepancy. Stock halogens often leave a big gap between what the truck could safely do at night and what you actually see. Good LED kits shrink that gap without turning your headlights into an egregious wall of glare for oncoming traffic.
Also, remember: the more complex your factory setup (HID low beams, DRLs tied into high beams, shared filaments), the more you benefit from reading a Dodge Durango bulb size chart carefully. The wrong upgrade in one socket can confuse the body control module and light up your dashboard like a Christmas tree.
Step-by-step replacement tips
If you have basic tools and moderate patience, most bulbs on a Durango are entirely doable at home. The idea is to work methodically instead of rushing and cracking plastic. I will outline the mental checklist I follow so you can copy it and skip the painful bits.
First, confirm your exact year and headlamp type. Is it a 2002 with 9007, a 2006 with H13, or a 2018 with D3S HID? Grab the owner’s manual, open the hood, and compare what you see to the Dodge Durango bulb size tables above.
Second, clear space. On many Durangos, you can reach the bulbs from behind the housing, though sometimes you need to pull the headlamp assembly after removing a couple of bolts and a plastic retainer. When space is tight, removing the intake snorkel or washer neck temporarily can help.
Third, disconnect the battery if you are working near HID ballasts or doing a lot of unplugging. It reduces the risk of short circuits and protects modules.
Fourth, swap one side at a time. That way, if you forget how something routes, the other side is your live diagram. Match the new bulb against the old, line up tabs, avoid touching glass on halogens, and lock the bulb in firmly before reconnecting the plug.
Finally, test on a wall at night. Stand back, check height, shape, and cutoff. Poor aim throws away value, because even expensive LEDs suck at it if the beam points into the treetops.
When diy is unsafe or inefficient
There are moments where DIY turns from satisfying to risky. If your Durango has factory HID projectors, and you are dealing with ballasts, igniters, or wiring faults near high-voltage components, handing the job to a shop can be smarter. No hero points for zapping yourself.
Another big red flag: melted connectors, brittle wiring, or corrosion inside fuse boxes. Lighting gremlins tied to water intrusion can eat hours of troubleshooting. In those cases, the pure Dodge Durango bulb size information is only half the story. Diagnostics gear and experience with networked modules matter more than socket codes.
Also consider professional help if your truck runs aftermarket bumpers, light bars, or complex towing wiring. Mixing trailer modules with LED conversions can create weird loops if you do not feel comfortable reading wiring diagrams.
If the shop understands that you care about long-term value, you can frame the conversation clearly: “I want reliable lighting, no dashboard errors, and safe wiring that will not burn the truck down.” That sets expectations without micromanaging which bulb they use.
Faq: Dodge Durango bulb size and practical questions
How do I confirm my Dodge Durango bulb size without pulling everything apart?
Start with the year and trim, look at a trusted bulb chart for your generation, then cross-check one position by pulling a single bulb. Once you verify the headlight or fog lamp base, the rest of the chart for that range usually lines up.
Can I run LEDs in every exterior position?
You can run LEDs in most positions where the socket base matches: headlights, fogs, reverse lights, license plate, interior, and many brake/tail circuits. The big constraint is heat and error detection. If your truck throws warnings or hyperflashes, you may need CANbus-friendly bulbs or resistors, which changes the value equation.
Are HID upgrades worth it on a Halogen Durango?
Retrofit HID kits jammed into halogen reflectors are no bueno. They look bright on your driveway and blind everyone else. If you want a meaningful upgrade, quality LED bulbs matched to your proper Dodge Durango bulb size give a cleaner pattern in those housings than cheap HID kits.
Why do my rear bulbs keep failing on older Durangos?
Heat, vibration, and cheap replacements. Many first- and second-gen trucks have 3157 bulbs working hard in housings that see a lot of shaking. Low-quality bulbs can pop quickly. Upgrading to quality LEDs with sensible power draw can reduce failures and brighten the signal at the same time.
Do I need to replace HID bulbs in pairs?
Yes, if you care about color match and output balance. HID bulbs age and shift color over time. Replacing a single D1S or D3S often leaves one side crisp white and the other side yellow, which looks low-value even if it technically works.
Will LED bulbs void my warranty?
In many regions, a warranty cannot vanish purely because you changed a bulb. The manufacturer would need to show that your LED upgrade caused the specific failure. That said, if your Durango is still under coverage and you wire in resistors poorly, any melted harnesses are likely on you.
How bright is too bright for headlight upgrades?
The right answer is “bright enough to see clearly without glaring at others.” Chasing maximum advertised lumens is a trap. Focus on a clean cutoff, controlled beam, and usable foreground. That usually means a mid-range LED kit that respects optics rather than a wild outlier shouting big numbers.
Why does one side flicker after an LED swap?
Possible causes include loose connectors, poor grounding, or the vehicle’s electronics not liking the new current draw. Swapping bulbs side to side can tell you whether the issue follows the bulb or stays with the socket. If it stays with the truck, you may need CANbus bulbs or a more compatible kit for that Dodge Durango bulb size.
Is it worth upgrading interior bulbs on a Durango?
Yes, from a comfort and perceived value perspective. Swapping dome, map, and cargo bulbs to white LEDs makes the cabin feel much newer. The cost is low, the install is easy, and the daily payoff is high every time you open a door at night.
How often should I think about lighting maintenance?
A quick check every oil change works well. Walk around the truck, test every exterior light, check lens clarity, and make sure no sockets look burnt. It takes minutes and keeps you ahead of surprises at inspection or on a late-night drive.
If you keep this guide handy, the phrase “Dodge Durango bulb size” stops being mysterious and turns into a straightforward checklist. Know your generation, pick the correct socket codes, choose sane LED or HID options, and you get that neat dream outcome: a Durango that looks sharp, keeps you safer, and feels more expensive to everyone who rides in it.
