2010–2014 Subaru Outback
By Tom Becker ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026
Save $190 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $205
Quick answer: Headlight Replacement Easy on a 2010–2014 Subaru Outback is rated Easy and takes about 20–30 minutes. You'll need 2 tools for this job, and parts cost about $15. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
| Part Name | Part Number | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| H7 Halogen Headlight Bulb | H7-55W | $15.00 | |
| H7 LED Headlight Bulb Optional | H7-LED | $50.00 |
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Follow these steps carefully
The low beam on the 2010–2014 Outback lives behind the front wheel-well liner, not under the hood, so turning the wheel is the move that makes this job possible.
You may need a flashlight — it is dark in there. Do not tear the liner off completely; folding it aside is plenty.
Turn the cover counterclockwise a short twist and pull it off.
Pull gently on the wiring harness at the back of the bulb to unplug it from the bulb itself. Note the routing of the harness so you can tuck it back the same way during reassembly.
I unplug the Outback headlight harness and I label the connector with masking tape — left, right, high, low. I have plugged a headlight connector into the wrong socket before, and the tape prevents the encore.
With the spring released, the old H7 bulb slides straight out of the housing. Note the tab on the bulb and the slot it came from.
Holding the new H7 bulb by its base only — never touch the glass, since skin oil makes the glass burn hotter and kills the bulb early — slide it in so its tab drops into the housing slot exactly as the old one sat.
Reconnect the wiring harness, twist the dust cover back on clockwise until it seats, and fold the fender liner back into place with its clips. Turn the headlights on and confirm the new low beam lights evenly.
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
2010–2014
2010–2014
2010–2014
2005–2009
2005–2009
2005–2009
