Buy Honda CR-V Headlight Assembly

Summary

The Honda CR-V's headlight (also called a headlamp or front lamp) is a sealed assembly that holds the bulbs, wiring, lens and aiming hardware. Across five generations of the SUV, Honda switched from basic halogen reflector units to brighter LED reflector lamps, and safety scores improved as a result. Knowing the correct bulb sizes, safety recalls, adjustment steps, legal rules and upgrade options helps owners keep night-time visibility high and avoid tickets or crashes. This guide gathers the most reliable facts-sourced from U.S.

Generations & Bulb Types

• 1997-2006 (1st-2nd gen) - Halogen reflector low beam = 9006, high beam = 9005. (AUXITO)
• 2007-2016 (3rd-4th gen) - Halogen reflector low beam = H11, high beam = 9005.
• 2017-2022 (5th gen) - Most trims keep halogen low beams (H11) and halogen or LED high beams (9005/LED). Touring and Hybrid trims upgrade to full LED reflector units. (, IIHS Crash Testing)
• 2023-2025 (6th gen) - All trims use LED reflector low and high beams with automatic high-beam assist. (IIHS Crash Testing)

Bulb names are standardized; "H11" fits many halogen or LED retrofit bulbs, while "9005" also appears as "HB3." Knowing both terms prevents mix-ups when searching parts.

Safety & Ratings

• The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the 2024-25 CR-V's LED headlights "Good," its top score.
• Older halogen units scored "Acceptable" (2018-22) or "Marginal" (2016 and earlier), mainly because the beam was dim on curves. (IIHS Crash Testing, IIHS Crash Testing)
• Good-rated headlights help the CR-V earn a 2024 Top Safety Pick award. (IIHS Crash Testing)

These third-party grades show why many owners upgrade older reflector lamps to LEDs or projector retrofits.

Recalls & Issues

• A national recall (NHTSA 12V-136) affects 2002-2004 CR-V models for melting contacts in the headlight switch that can kill both low beams.
• The same problem triggered an earlier engineering investigation (EA11-012) after dozens of low-beam failures. (NHTSA)
• Drivers of 2012-2016 models often report "dim" lamps; community threads show output can drop as bulbs age or lenses haze. (CRV Owners Club)
• Condensation inside the housing may require resealing or replacing the rubber vent caps. (passportforums.com)

Owners should check VINs for open recalls at the official NHTSA lookup tool.

Legal Rules

• U.S. replacement headlights must meet FMVSS 108, which sets brightness, beam pattern and marking rules. (eCFR)
• A headlight aimed too high can blind oncoming traffic; too low wastes light. Many states require annual inspections using those same federal specs.
• Some aftermarket LED bulbs exceed the legal glare threshold, and law-enforcement can ticket for "improper lighting." (The Times)

Always choose components that carry DOT/SAE markings and aim them correctly.

Maintenance Steps

1. Open the hood and remove the plastic cover behind the bulb.
2. Twist the bulb counter-clockwise; unplug the wiring.
3. Insert the new H11 or 9005 bulb (do not touch the glass).
4. Re-seat the cover and test the lights.

The illustrated iFixit step-by-step guide shows the process on a fourth-generation CR-V.

Headlight Aiming

• Park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a flat wall on level ground.
• Measure from the ground to the lamp center; tape that height on the wall.
• Turn the vertical adjuster screw until the top of the low-beam hotspot sits just 2 in (5 cm) below the tape.
• Horizontal aim is preset at the factory on most CR-V lamps.

Video demonstrations follow the same method. (YouTube)

Upgrades & Mods

• LED bulb swap - Quality LED bulbs can output 2,000-4,000 lumens, double typical halogens (700-1,500 lumens). (RIMTHIN)
• Projector retrofit - Installing bi-LED projectors in 2007-2011 housings focuses light and adds a sharp cutoff. (CRV Owners Club)
• Film or guard - Clear urethane films protect polycarbonate lenses from chips and UV damage. (Wikipedia)

Any electrical modification should be fused and weather-sealed to avoid shorts.

Care & Restoration

CR-V lenses are polycarbonate plastic with a UV clear-coat that can cloud over time. Wet-sanding plus a fresh UV sealant restores clarity and light output, often at a fraction of replacement cost.

Troubleshooting

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb size fits a 2019 CR-V low beam?
A: H11 for low beam and 9005 for high beam. (AUXITO)

Q: Are LED bulbs plug-and-play?
A: Yes, many H11 and 9005 LEDs fit, but they must be aimed correctly and carry DOT markings to stay legal. (RIMTHIN)

Q: Why did both low beams quit on my 2003 CR-V?
A: A known wiring-harness defect covered by Recall 12V-136 can melt the switch and cut power. Have a dealer perform the free repair.

Q: How often should I change bulbs?
A: Replace halogen bulbs in pairs every 3-4 years or when output drops; LEDs usually last much longer.

Q: Can I restore cloudy headlight lenses myself?
A: Yes. Wet-sand with 1,000-3,000-grit paper, polish, then apply a UV-rated clear coat or film to keep them clear. (Wikipedia)

Q: What torque spec do I use when reinstalling the headlight assembly?
A: Tighten the 10 mm mounting bolts to 8 N·m (hand-tight with a 1/4-drive ratchet). (iFixit)

Q: Does my 2024 CR-V have auto high beams?
A: Yes. All sixth-generation CR-Vs include automatic high-beam assist that dims for oncoming traffic. (IIHS Crash Testing)

Q: Are aftermarket projector headlights legal?
A: They are legal if the assembly carries DOT/SAE marks and meets FMVSS 108 beam-pattern rules. (eCFR)

Q: How do I check for open headlight recalls?
A: Enter your VIN at the official NHTSA recall portal.

Q: Why do LEDs look "too bright" to some drivers?
A: LEDs can exceed 6,000 lumens and have a whiter color, so if they're mis-aimed they may cause glare for oncoming traffic. (The Times)