Buy Honda Accord Tail Light Assembly

Background Info

The Honda Accord's tail light-also called a rear lamp, tail lamp, or rear combination light-keeps you seen from behind, signals braking, and shows turns. Two red lamps are required, must be visible from 1,000 feet at night, and must meet the federal lighting rule in 49 CFR 571.108. (eCFR) Most older Accords (2008-2012) use replaceable 7443 wedge bulbs, while 2018-newer models rely on long-life LED modules. (LightBulbs.com, LightBulbs.com) Common issues include burned-out bulbs, blown fuses, moisture that shorts the circuit, and software recalls that can switch the lights off. (ManualsLib, m.carcomplaints.com, Justia Auto Recalls) Fixes are usually easy with basic tools, but always follow safety laws such as California Vehicle Code §24600 that require both rear lights to work. (Justia Law)

Role & Importance

Tail lights glow red whenever the head-lights or parking lamps are on; the brighter stop-lamp filament (or separate LED) lights up when you brake. This quick flash warns drivers behind you, and studies show LEDs cut reaction time by about 0.2-0.3 seconds-up to 30 feet of stopping distance at highway speed. (CrashStats, NHTSA) Federal rules also ban amber-colored tail or brake lamps on passenger cars to keep the color code clear. (eCFR)

Model Years & Fit

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Bulb & LED Specs

• Incandescent sizes - 7443 (tail/stop), 7440 (high-mount), 194/168 (license). (LightBulbs.com)
• Fuse - 7.5 A "Small Lights" fuse in the interior panel by driver's left knee (slot #29 on many 2018+ cars). (ManualsLib)
• LED draw - LEDs need about 80 % less power and reach full brightness in (CrashStats)

Common Issues

• Blown bulb or LED failure - Check the bulb, socket, and matching fuse first. (ManualsLib)
• Water in lamp - A worn gasket lets rain seep inside, shorting the circuit or fogging the lens. (m.carcomplaints.com)
• Software fault (2019 BCM recall X95) - Body-control module glitch can switch exterior lamps off; dealers flash updated software. (Justia Auto Recalls)
• Corroded socket - Salt builds up on contacts; clean with electrical cleaner and replace the rubber seal.

Safety & Laws

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 lists brightness, color, and placement rules for all tail lamps. Read the full text in 49 CFR 571.108.
• Many states mirror the rule. For example, California requires two red rear lamps working at night (Vehicle Code 24600). (Justia Law)
• Never tint lenses so dark that the light drops below spec; officers can cite you and your car can fail inspection.

How to Replace

1. Open the trunk and remove the trim clips near the lamp. A flat trim tool prevents scratches. (YouTube)
2. Unbolt the lamp-usually three 8 mm nuts-then unplug the wiring connector.
3. Swap the bulb (7443) by turning the socket a quarter turn counter-clockwise. (Honda Tech Info)
4. Test by switching the lights on and pressing the brake.
5. Re-seal with a fresh foam gasket to stop leaks.

Maintenance Tips

• Monthly check - Walk behind your car, press the brake, and look for a bright, even glow. (Honda Tech Info)
• Clean lenses - Dirt dims light; wash with car-soap, not harsh chemicals.
• Fuse first - If both sides go dark, inspect the 7.5 A fuse before buying a new assembly. (ManualsLib)
• Use dielectric grease on bulb bases in humid areas to stop corrosion.

Upgrade Ideas

• LED retrofit bulbs - Direct-fit 7443 LED bulbs give crisp light and draw less power. Ensure "DOT SAE" marking so the color and brightness are legal. (eCFR)
• Sequential turn lamps - Some aftermarket housings add sweeping amber signals, but confirm they still keep a steady red tail function per federal rule.
• Smoked housings - Light tint is legal if photometric output meets FMVSS 108; very dark film usually fails.

Eco Disposal

Old incandescent bulbs contain glass and metal; most recycling centers accept them with household glass. LEDs are electronic waste-drop them at an e-waste facility so the copper and rare earths are recovered instead of land-filled. Check your local recycling guide or the EPA e-Cycling page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know which bulb my Accord uses?
A: Check your owner's manual or the label inside the trunk; most 2003-2012 cars use 7443 bulbs, while 2018-newer tail lamps are sealed LEDs. (LightBulbs.com, LightBulbs.com)

Q: My tail lamps fog up after rain. What should I do?
A: Replace the rubber gasket and make sure the vent hole is clear; trapped moisture can blow the fuse or bulb. (m.carcomplaints.com)

Q: Which fuse controls the tail lights?
A: Look in the driver-side interior fuse box; the 7.5-amp "Small Lights" fuse often powers both tail lamps and plate lights. (ManualsLib)

Q: Are LEDs really safer?
A: Yes-tests show LEDs give drivers behind you up to 0.3 seconds more reaction time, reducing rear-end crashes. (CrashStats, NHTSA)

Q: Can I swap just one side to LED?
A: It's better to match both sides so brightness and color stay even. Mixing can confuse following drivers and may violate local code.

Q: Is it legal to tint my tail lights?
A: Only if the red light is still visible at 1,000 feet at night; otherwise police can ticket you for non-compliance with FMVSS 108 and state law. (eCFR, Justia Law)

Q: Why did both lights go out at once?
A: A blown fuse or a BCM software fault (2018-2020 recall X95) can darken both lamps; check fuses, then call a dealer with your VIN. (Justia Auto Recalls)

Q: How long do LED tail lamps last?
A: The diodes are rated for about 30,000 hours-often the life of the car-though impact damage or water ingress can still kill them sooner.

Q: Do I need special tools for replacement?
A: A trim-stick, 8 mm socket, and Phillips screwdriver cover most jobs; always wear gloves to keep oil off new bulbs.

Q: Where can I read the rules myself?
A: Check FMVSS 108 on the eCFR site and your state vehicle code-for example, California §24600. (, Justia Law)