Buy Chevrolet (Chevy) Sonic Headlight Assembly

• 2012 - 2016 first-gen Sonic (sedan & hatchback)
• 2017 - 2020 refreshed Sonic (minor grille change; same headlight mounts)

All trims-LS, LT, LTZ, Premier, and RS-share the same lamp housing, so one replacement part covers the whole run.

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• Federal headlight rule 49 CFR §571.108 limits aim to ±5 in vertically and ±10 in horizontally at 25 ft.
• IIHS testing shows properly aimed lights cut crashes and must not blind on-coming drivers.
• Bright newer LEDs can add glare; U.S. regulators are studying limits.

1. Park 25 ft from a wall on level ground at night.
2. Measure from the ground to lamp center and mark that height on the wall.
3. Turn on low beams.
4. Turn the white vertical screw on top of each lamp with a 6 mm Allen key until the cutoff sits 2 in below the line.
5. Horizontal aim is preset and not adjustable on this model.

Aiming keeps the beam bright for you yet soft for others and matches the federal rule above.

1. Pop the hood and pull off the round dust cover.
2. Twist the bulb counter-clockwise, unplug it, and click in the new one.
3. Refit the cover and test lights. (YouTube)

Whole lamp removal (30-45 min)

1. Remove bumper cover clips and screws.
2. Slip the bumper forward to reveal three 10 mm bolts.
3. Unbolt and slide the headlight straight out. (Sonic Owners Forum, Sonic Owners Forum)

Have a friend hold the bumper to avoid scratching paint.

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• LED retrofit bulbs give up to 300 % more light but must stay under the glare limit in FMVSS 108. Always pick an H11 LED with a thin "filament" board for stock-like focus.
• Projector swap kits improve cutoff; bumper removal is required. (Sonic Owners Forum)
• Clear-coat lens restore renews cloudy plastic; IIHS says clear lenses help beam reach.

• Keep lenses clean; even a thin mud film cuts light up to 40 %.
• Replace bulbs in pairs so color and life match.
• Re-aim lights after any front-end work or tire size change.
• Check the headlight fuse if both sides fail before buying parts.

Q: What bulb fits the Sonic low beam?
A: All 2012-2020 Sonic lights use an H11 low-beam bulb.

Q: How bright are stock halogen bulbs?
A: Factory H11 halogens output about 1,350 lumens each-enough for 160 ft of clear sight when aimed correctly.

Q: Can I use LED bulbs?
A: Yes, if the beam stays within the same aim window and does not create extra glare, per FMVSS 108.

Q: Why do my lights fog up after rain?
A: Light condensation is normal and dries as the lamp warms; standing water means the vent is blocked.

Q: How long do bulbs last?
A: Typical H11 halogens last 350-500 hours, or about three years of night driving.

Q: My low beam stopped suddenly-what now?
A: Check fuse F30/F31 and the bulb socket for heat damage before buying a new lamp.

Q: Do I need to remove the bumper to swap bulbs?
A: No, you only remove the cover for full lamp replacement; bulbs come out from the back.

Q: How do I aim the lights?
A: Turn the white screw on top of the lamp until the beam cutoff is 2 in below lamp height at 25 ft.

Q: Are brighter lights safer?
A: IIHS data links better headlights to lower crash rates, but only when they are aimed properly.

Q: Where can I check for recalls?
A: Enter your VIN at the NHTSA recall portal any time.