In short: if your 2012 Camry has halogen headlights, the low beam uses an H11 bulb and the high beam uses a 9005 (HB3) bulb. If your car is equipped with factory HID headlights, it uses HID bulbs (such as D4S or D2S) with a ballast, not standard halogen bulbs.
The 2012 Toyota Camry (XV50) offered halogen headlights on most trims, with HID headlights available on certain options and markets. Because bulb types can vary by trim and region, it’s wise to verify the exact specification for your VIN. The following guide outlines the common configurations and how to confirm which bulbs your car uses.
Halogen headlights: standard configuration
These are the typical bulb types for Camrys that came with halogen headlights. Use this as the baseline when shopping for replacements.
- Low beam: H11
- High beam: 9005 (HB3)
- Fog lights (if equipped): H11
Note: Some markets or trims may differ. If you’re unsure, check the bulb itself or consult the owner's manual for your specific vehicle.
Factory HID headlights (optional)
Some 2012 Camrys were equipped with factory HID headlights, which use high-intensity discharge bulbs and a ballast. These are not interchangeable with halogen bulbs and require compatible HID components.
- HID bulb type (typical): D4S or D2S variants, depending on the ballast design
- Important: Replacements often require a new ballast or a complete HID kit as supplied by the manufacturer or dealer
If your car has HID headlights, confirm the exact bulb family (D4S vs D2S) based on your headlight assembly or VIN, since regional variations exist and some markets used different configurations.
How to verify the correct bulb on your car
Since bulb configurations can vary by trim and market, check directly on the vehicle. You can:
- Remove the headlight cover and inspect the bulb’s designation printed on the base, or compare the bulb’s shape and connector to known types.
- Consult the owner’s manual for the specific bulb specification by headlight function (low beam, high beam, fog).
- Contact a Toyota dealership with your VIN for precise bulb information and compatibility.
When replacing bulbs, consider doing so in pairs to maintain even illumination. For HID bulbs, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers, as oils can shorten bulb life.
Additional considerations
Bulb interchangeability and common replacements
H11 and 9005 are widely used, but some aftermarket bulbs may vary in fit or performance. Choose bulbs from reputable brands and verify compatibility with your headlight housing. Also verify the fog light bulb type if your model uses a dedicated fog bulb separate from H11.
Summary: For most 2012 Camrys with halogen headlights, use H11 for low beams and 9005 for high beams, with H11 commonly used for fog lights if equipped. Some trims offer factory HID headlights, which use D4S or D2S bulbs with a ballast. Always verify with the manual or dealer for certainty.