Buy Toyota Corolla Tail Light Assembly

Toyota Corolla tail lights-also called tail lamps, rear lamps, stop-lights, brake-lights, or rear combination lamps-do three big jobs: they let other drivers see your Corolla after dark, show when you brake or turn, and keep the car legal under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 (FMVSS 108).

Overview

The tail light assembly bolts to the outer corner of the trunk lid and quarter-panel. It houses several circuits-running light, brake light, rear blinker, and reverse light-inside one clear-red polycarbonate lens. Each circuit must stay bright from 500 feet away, as required by FMVSS 108.

Compatibility

• 11th-generation Corolla sedans (2014-2019) share one outer lamp design; the 12th-generation (2020-2025) uses a reshaped LED version.
• Corolla iM/Hatchback lamps mount differently; be sure to order by body style and model year.
• Hybrid trims use the same housing but often ship with factory LEDs instead of bulbs.

Bulb & LED Types

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LED retrofit kits draw 75-80 % less power and last far longer than glass bulbs.

Safety Standards

• FMVSS 108 sets brightness, color, and placement rules for every replacement lamp.
• A 2008 NHTSA study found cars with amber rear blinkers are 22 % less likely to be rear-ended than those with red ones.
• Aftermarket lamps may not add flashing patterns or extra white/red light that "impairs" required lighting.

Installation Steps

1. Open the trunk and pull the carpet liner away from the lamp.
2. Remove the three 10 mm nuts and wiggle the housing straight back. (A helper can hold the assembly to avoid drops.)
3. Twist the bulb holders counter-clockwise, swap bulbs or plug in the LED kit, then re-seat the foam seal evenly.
4. Re-install the nuts hand-tight; over-torque can crack the plastic.
5. Test all modes (running, brake, blinker, reverse) before closing the trunk.

Maintenance Tips

• Fuse: If both tail lamps go out, check the 10-amp "TAIL" fuse under the dash. (ManualsLib)
• Condensation: A light haze inside the lens after rain is normal and often disappears when the lamp warms up. Large water drops mean the housing seal has failed and should be replaced or resealed.
• Cleaning: Wash lenses with mild car soap; harsh chemicals dull the polycarbonate surface.
• Seal life: Keep the foam gasket clean; trapped dirt lets water into the trunk.

Troubleshooting

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Upgrades & Mods

• Full-LED assemblies give instant-on brake response that can trim stopping-distance awareness by up to 200 ms.
• Sequential turn signals are legal if amber and steady-burning per FMVSS 108.
• Smoke or tint film must still let 50 % of the original light through to stay compliant.

Materials & Design

The lens is injection-molded polycarbonate, a plastic 60 × more impact-resistant than glass yet only half the weight. UV-blocking clear-coat keeps the red color from fading.

Energy & Efficiency

Swapping the four stock 27 W bulbs (≈ 108 W total) to LEDs drops steady draw to about 16 W, saving electrical load and fuel. Less heat also protects the housing seal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What bulb number fits a 2017 Corolla tail lamp?
A: Use a 7443 dual-filament bulb for tail/brake and a WY21W amber bulb for the turn signal.

Q: How do I clear the "tail light out" warning?
A: Replace the failed bulb, then cycle the ignition; the BCM resets automatically.

Q: Why does my new LED blinker flash fast?
A: LEDs draw little current, so the flasher senses an "open" circuit. Add a 6-ohm resistor or install an LED-ready flasher relay.

Q: Are smoked tail lights legal?
A: Tint is allowed only if the lamp still meets FMVSS 108 brightness; dark film that blocks too much light can get you a ticket.

Q: My tail lamp fogs up after a car wash-should I worry?
A: Light mist is normal, but puddles or big droplets signal a seal leak; dry the light, reseal with silicone, or replace the gasket.

Q: Which fuse controls the tail lamps?
A: The 10-amp "TAIL" fuse in the interior box; consult the lid diagram for exact slot.

Q: Can I wire the outer tail light to blink with hazards?
A: Yes-use the existing turn-signal wire; do not tap the brake circuit, which must burn steady red.

Q: Do LEDs really improve safety?
A: They illuminate faster than bulbs and cut rear-end crash risk, especially when paired with amber turn signals.

Q: What torque should I use on the mounting nuts?
A: Hand-tight plus a gentle quarter-turn is enough; overtightening can crack the housing flange.

Q: Will upgrading to LED drain my battery less?
A: Yes-LEDs can reduce tail-lamp power draw by about 85 %, leaving more current for other electronics.