Buy Toyota Tundra Headlight Assembly

Background Info

Key Takeaways

Toyota Tundra headlights-also called head lamps, front lamps, or head-light assemblies-changed a lot over the truck's three generations. Early models used simple halogen bulbs (9003/H4) . The 2022 redesign brought full-LED projector units that helped the pickup earn an IIHS Top Safety Pick + because the lights scored Good or Acceptable on every trim . While LEDs give brighter, whiter light and last much longer than halogen filaments , they can still suffer from mis-aim, moisture intrusion, and the 2018-2021 halogen-lamp recall for potential connector overheating . All links go to trusted sources like IIHS, NHTSA, FHWA, and Popular Mechanics-never to retailers.

Generations

Design Timeline

• 2000-2006 (1st gen) - Clear plastic housings with dual-filament halogen 9003 bulbs for both high and low beams .
• 2007-2021 (2nd gen) - Styling updates added optional black bezels and LED accent strips on some trims, but most trucks still relied on halogen or HID retrofit kits.
• 2022-present (3rd gen) - Standard LED projector head lamps plus signature DRLs became a headline feature of the GA-F platform redesign . The sharper pattern and auto-leveling system boost down-road light while cutting glare for other drivers.

Explore the IIHS headlight ratings for exact trim scores.

Bulb & Lamp Specs

Common Sizes

← scroll table horizontally →

Halogen bulbs reach about 1 000 lumens, while factory LEDs on the new truck top 6 000 lumens for the pair .

Light Technology

Halogen vs LED

• Energy use - LEDs cut power draw up to 75 % compared with halogen .
• Service life - Halogen filaments last ~500 h; LEDs can exceed 10 000 h.
• Color - Halogen = 3 200 K warm; LED = 5 500-6 000 K daylight, which improves contrast but can dazzle oncoming traffic if mis-aimed .

Safety & Ratings

IIHS Findings

The 2024 Tundra's LED head lamps earned Good in glare, reach, and curve-illumination tests, driving the truck to a Top Safety Pick + award .

Recalls & Issues

Known Problems

• 2018-2021 Halogen Recall - Simultaneous high/low-beam power could overheat connectors and even start a fire; Toyota recalled ~158 000 trucks .
• Condensation - A blocked vent can fog the lens and dim the beam. Drying with a low-heat hair-dryer or replacing the back seal usually fixes it .

Owners can check VINs on the official NHTSA recall site.

Regulations

Aim & Glare Rules

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108 requires vertical and horizontal aim adjustments accurate to 0.1° .
• The FHWA warns that veiling glare from bright LEDs can cut driver vision and recommends uniform beam patterns .

Maintenance

DIY Tasks

1. Aim check - Park 25 ft from a wall, center of beam should sit just below head-lamp height per Toyota spec; see this video guide for a quick method .
2. Bulb change - On 2007-13 trucks, remove the plastic dust cover, unclip the spring, and replace the H11 bulb-no tools needed .
3. Moisture fix - Warm the housing gently and reseal with automotive RTV .

Upgrades

Popular Mods

• LED Conversion Kits - Plug-in H11 LED bulbs for older Tundras offer brighter output but must include a cooling fan and be DOT compliant.
• Projector Housings - Swapping the whole head-light assembly gives sharper cutoff and integrated DRLs; aim adjustment is critical to avoid glare .
• Protective Film - Clear urethane film shields the lens from UV yellowing and road debris.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

Q: What size is the headlight bulb on a 2000 Tundra?
A: It uses a dual-filament 9003 (HB2/H4) bulb for both beams .

Q: Are LED headlights standard on 2022-2025 models?
A: Yes-every third-generation Tundra ships with factory LED projector head lamps .

Q: How do I know if my truck is part of the overheating-connector recall?
A: Enter your VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup page; affected years are 2018-2021 with halogen lamps .

Q: Can I swap halogen bulbs for LEDs in older housings?
A: Yes, but be sure the kit is road-legal and re-aim the lights so they stay below the legal cutoff .

Q: Why do my headlights fog up after rain?
A: The vent on the back of the lamp may be blocked; drying and resealing usually cures the issue .

Q: What headlight rating does IIHS give the 2024 Tundra?
A: Good on trims with premium LEDs and Acceptable on others .

Q: How often should I replace a halogen bulb?
A: Expect about 500 hours of life; that's 1-2 years for most drivers .

Q: Do LEDs draw less power?
A: Yes-about 75 % less energy than similar-brightness halogen bulbs .

Q: What is proper head-lamp aiming distance?
A: FMVSS 108 references a 25-ft test distance with beam center just below lamp height .

Q: Will aftermarket projector housings void my warranty?
A: Toyota's vehicle warranty does not cover non-Toyota parts, but the Magnuson-Moss Act means the burden of proof is on the manufacturer; keep receipts and aim correctly.