Subaru HID Bulb Replacement Guide

Subaru factory HID headlamps use three main OE bulb families: D2S/D2R on older systems, D4S/D4R on newer mercury‑free systems, and D1S on Tribeca. D2S and D4S are clear‑glass capsules for projector optics, while D2R and D4R have an opaque mask and different indexing tabs for reflector housings; mixing “S” and “R” types will destroy the beam pattern and cause glare. D4‑series bulbs are also mercury‑free and run with different ballast characteristics, so you must not substitute D2S into a D4S/D4R system (or vice‑versa) without changing the matched ballast.

Factory HID Models (Subaru)

Outback
2010–2014 Outback (BR) — factory HID low‑beams are found only on some Limited / 3.6R trims; bulb type varies by market and may be D‑series HID or halogen, so always confirm by reading the marking on the bulb and the headlamp label before ordering.
2015–2019 Outback Limited / Touring with factory HID — D4S projector low‑beam (mercury‑free HID).

Legacy
2010–2014 Legacy (BM) Limited / higher trims with factory HID — typically D2S projector low‑beam; confirm the “D2S” marking on the bulb base before ordering, as many BM cars are halogen.
2015–2019 Legacy (BN) Limited with factory HID — D4S projector low‑beam.

Forester
2006–2013 Forester (SG/SH) with factory HID (XT Limited and some high trims) — D2R reflector HID low‑beam (Philips D2R 35 W is a common OE capsule).
2014–2018 Forester (SJ) with factory HID — D4R reflector HID low‑beam; halogen H11 low‑beams are used on non‑HID trims.

Tribeca
2008–2014 Tribeca — D1S projector HID low‑beam (single‑xenon AL/Bosch projectors).

WRX
2008–2010 WRX — halogen low‑beams from the factory (H11), no OEM HID; D‑series bulbs here indicate an aftermarket conversion.
2011–2014 WRX Limited / Premium with factory HID — D2S projector HID low‑beam; base trims remain halogen.

WRX STI
2004–2014 WRX STI — D2S projector HID low‑beam in OEM Xenon headlamps.
2015+ WRX / WRX STI (VA chassis) — primarily LED or halogen low‑beams; treat any D‑series listing as suspect and confirm at the housing and bulb before ordering.

BRZ
2013–2016 BRZ (Limited and other HID‑equipped trims) — D4S projector HID low‑beam.
Later BRZ / Toyota 86 models increasingly moved to LED low‑beams; always check the bulb type printed on the capsule.

Impreza / Crosstrek / Ascent
Most Canadian‑market Impreza, Crosstrek and Ascent trims use halogen or LED low‑beams from the factory. Some Impreza‑based performance models (WRX/WRX STI) are covered in the WRX sections above as D2S HID; if you do not see a D‑series capsule behind the dust cap, assume halogen or LED and do not order D2S/D4S.

Related Guides

D2S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D2R HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D4S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D4R HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D1S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement
D3S HID Bulbs — OEM Replacement (for D3S‑equipped retrofits and non‑Subaru OEM applications)
Factory HID Bulb Guide — All Makes & Models

Subaru HID FAQs

My 2015 Outback Limited has HID. What bulb is it?
2015–2019 Outback Limited/Touring with factory HID use D4S capsules in the low‑beam projector; confirm by checking the “D4S” marking on the bulb base before ordering.

Is my Forester HID D2S or D2R/D4R?
2006–2013 Forester HID headlamps use D2R reflector bulbs, while 2014–2018 HID trims use D4R; both have a painted shield and are not interchangeable with D2S/D4S projector capsules.

Can I drop D2S into a D4S Legacy or Outback?
No. D4S is mercury‑free and runs on a different ballast profile than D2S; mixing D2S and D4S without matching ballasts and wiring can cause poor performance or damage.

Is a VA‑chassis WRX STI (2015+) factory HID?
Most 2015+ WRX and WRX STI models use LED or halogen low‑beams; if you don’t see a D‑series capsule, you do not have OEM HID and should not order D2S/D4S as a replacement.

Need help identifying your Subaru bulb?
Take a clear photo of the bulb and connector, or the lens label showing “D2S / D2R / D4S / D4R / D1S,” and email it to us, or call 647‑547‑1962 for one‑on‑one help before ordering.