Buy Honda Civic Tail Light Assembly

Overview

Honda Civic tail lights-also called rear lamps, brake lights, or rear combination lamps-let drivers behind you see, stop, and turn safely. They house running lights, brake lights, turn-signals, and often the reverse light, all in a single red lens. Later-model Civics (2016-present) switched from halogen bulbs to bright, quicker-lighting LEDs, boosting visibility and driver reaction time by roughly 0.2 seconds, which can mean 19 feet of stopping distance at 65 mph  (IIHS Crash Testing). Every Civic sold in the U.S. must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 for brightness, size, and color  (NHTSA).

Fit & Years

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Always match the assembly to sedan, hatchback, or Si/Type R; the mounting tabs differ slightly.

Functions

• Running lamp: glows dim red whenever the headlights are on.
• Stop lamp: brightens when you press the brake pedal.
• Turn signal: flashes amber or red depending on market.
• Reverse lamp: bright white light for backing up.
• Reflector: passive red reflector required even if the bulb fails  (NHTSA).

Bulbs & Technology

Early Civics use dual-filament halogen bulbs that last 1-5 years. LEDs on 2016+ cars can exceed 15 years and illuminate 0.2 s faster, giving drivers behind extra stopping time  (IIHS Crash Testing, Car and Driver). If a single LED fails, the whole module is replaced. Honda's owner's guide shows the exact bulb codes and fuse chart for each year  (Honda Owners).

Legal & Safety

• Brightness & size: FMVSS 108 demands at least 50 cm² of illuminated area on vehicles under 80 in wide  (NHTSA).
• Color: Lamps must show red to the rear; tinting that darkens the lens can violate state code (e.g., California VC §24252)  (Leginfo).
• Standards: SAE J585 gives the photometric test method engineers follow  (SAE International).
• Maintenance law: Most DMVs include tail-light checks in safety inspections  (California DMV).

Maintenance & DIY

Replacing a tail light on a 10th-gen Civic takes about 15 minutes: open the trunk, remove two 8 mm bolts and the plastic push-pin, pull the lamp straight back, swap the bulb/module, and test (see this concise step-by-step video) . Always disconnect the battery first. Check fuses under-hood (stop-light fuse) and under-dash (running lamp) if multiple bulbs are out  (civicx.com). The nonprofit Car Care Council suggests inspecting all exterior lights every oil change .

Troubleshooting

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Upgrades & Customization

LED retrofit kits save power and look modern but must match SAE and FMVSS specs-avoid blue-tinted LEDs that scatter light and draw police attention  (IIHS Crash Testing). Sequential turn signals are popular on hatchbacks; be sure added modules keep the red running light intact. Adaptive-driving beams and animated welcome patterns remain aftermarket-only for the Civic.

Cost & Warranty

A dealer-grade bulb replacement averages US $96 (parts + labor) nationwide  (YourMechanic). Full LED assemblies cost from US $140-$350 each, excluding paint. Honda's limited warranty covers lamp defects for 3 years/36 k mi. Private labor rates range US $80-$125 hr-doing the swap yourself saves most of the bill. AAA notes that if you can change a household bulb, you can change many car bulbs  (Your AAA Network).

Environmental Disposal

Tail-light housings are chiefly ABS plastic and polycarbonate, both recyclable. The EPA's end-of-life vehicle guide urges dismantlers to remove lamps before crushing so plastics and printed circuits can be separated and sold Processing End-of-Life Vehicles PDF .

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long do Honda Civic tail lights last?
A: Halogen bulbs last 1-5 years; factory LEDs often exceed 15 years.  (YourMechanic, IIHS Crash Testing)

Q: Do I need both tail lights working to pass inspection?
A: Yes-state safety tests require all mandatory lamps to function.  (California DMV)

Q: Can I tint my Civic's tail lights?
A: Dark tint that reduces red output below FMVSS 108 levels is illegal in most states (e.g., CA VC 24252).  (Leginfo)

Q: My dash shows a bulb warning; what's first to check?
A: Inspect the tail-light fuse in the engine bay, then the bulbs or LED modules.  (civicx.com)

Q: What bulb fits a 2015 Civic sedan?
A: Use a dual-filament 7443 bulb per the Honda owner's guide.  (Honda Owners)

Q: Are aftermarket LED tail lights plug-and-play?
A: They fit the plug but must carry SAE and DOT marks to be street-legal.  (SAE International)

Q: How bright must a tail light be?
A: For cars under 80 in wide, the lit area must be at least 50 cm², plus meet SAE photometry charts.  (NHTSA)

Q: Why are LEDs safer than bulbs?
A: LEDs reach full brightness faster, giving trailing drivers extra reaction time and lowering rear-end crash risk.  (IIHS Crash Testing)

Q: What's the average replacement cost?
A: Around US $96 for a bulb or US $250 for an LED assembly including labor.  (YourMechanic)

Q: How should I recycle a broken tail light?
A: Remove it, separate the plastic lens from wiring, and take it to a local electronic-waste center per EPA guidelines.