For most 2010 Legacy models with halogen headlights, the low beams use H11 bulbs and the high beams use 9005 bulbs. If your car is equipped with factory HID headlights, the bulbs are HID (not halogen) and require a ballast; fog lights, when present, typically use H11. Always verify with your owner’s manual or the labeling under the hood, as trims and markets can vary.
Halogen headlights: Low and high beams
The following information covers the typical halogen setup you’ll find on the 2010 Subaru Legacy. Use this as a quick reference to identify the correct replacement bulbs.
- Low beam: H11
- High beam: 9005
- Fog lights (if equipped): H11
Halogen configurations can vary by trim or market; when in doubt, confirm with the owner’s manual, the hood label, or a Subaru parts specialist.
High-intensity discharge (HID) headlights
Some 2010 Legacy models came with factory HID headlights, which use a different bulb family and require a ballast. The exact HID bulb base can vary by ballast and assembly, so don’t assume it’s halogen just because you’ve used H11 or 9005 in the past.
- Bulb type: HID (exact base varies by ballast—commonly D2S, D3S, or D4S depending on the setup)
- Requires the appropriate ballast and wiring harness
- Not interchangeable with halogen bulbs
If your Legacy has HID headlights, verify the bulb type from the owner’s manual, the headlight assembly labeling, or a Subaru dealer to avoid buying the wrong bulb.
How to confirm the exact bulb for your car
To ensure you purchase the correct bulb the first time, use these verification steps before buying replacements.
- Consult the owner’s manual or the official bulb replacement table for your trim and market.
- Check the label or diagram under the hood near the headlight area for the recommended bulb type.
- Inspect the current bulb in the socket to compare base shape and size (H11, 9005, etc.).
- If the vehicle has HID headlights, confirm the exact HID bulb base (D2S/D3S/D4S) and ballast compatibility with the dealer or Subaru service data.
Following these steps helps prevent purchasing the wrong bulb and ensures proper fit, electrical compatibility, and optimal performance.
Summary
The typical configuration for a 2010 Subaru Legacy with halogen headlights is H11 for low beams and 9005 for high beams, with H11 also commonly used for fog lights if your model is equipped with them. If your Legacy has factory HID headlights, you’ll need HID bulbs and a ballast, with the exact bulb base varying by ballast (D2S, D3S, or D4S). Always verify using the owner’s manual, hood labels, or a dealer to ensure you buy the correct bulb type for your specific vehicle.