Factory bulb sizes and relevant BulbFacts-tested replacement evidence for the 2004 Subaru Forester.
Source-listed fitment data supplied by CarBulbGuide. Confirm the installed bulbs and configuration before ordering.
Low beam
9003 / H4
High beam
9003 / H4
Factory setup
Factory headlight setup not identified
Representative SUV or crossover image
Best headlight upgrades
These products were physically tested by BulbFacts, but the tests were not performed in this exact vehicle unless a card explicitly says otherwise.
Factory headlight setup not identified
High/Low Beam Combined: 9003 / H4
Best direct replacement
OSRAM Night Breaker 200
High/Low Beam Combined 9003 / H4
Estimated price$20-34
BulbFacts testedCorrect bulb size
Best Standard Reflector Upgrade
The Night Breaker 200 is the top standard-wattage reflector recommendation at the time of review. Anything scoring higher in the reflector chart uses much higher wattage, while the NB200 keeps the simple drop-in halogen format.
BulbFacts testedCorrect bulb sizeprojector housing only
Best Premium Distance
The Morimoto XB Elite remains the premium performance benchmark from the current HID recommendations. It tested as one of the strongest 35W projector-focused HID kits and is the better fit when you want a complete, higher-quality conversion kit instead of a generic marketplace option.
A matching bulb size identifies fitment; it does not by itself prove optical compatibility or make a conversion a vehicle-specific recommendation. Use the LED upgrade path only with a reflector housing and confirm beam pattern and glare after installation. Use the HID upgrade path only with a projector housing; it is not a reflector-housing recommendation.
Other bulbs
Available exterior and interior lighting data for this model year.
Cargo / Trunk Light
168Verify installed bulb
Center High Mount Stop Light
912Verify installed bulb
Dome Light
DE3175Verify installed bulb
Fog Light
H3Verify installed bulb
Front Side Marker
168Verify installed bulb
Front Turn Signal
7440AVerify installed bulb
License Plate Light
168Verify installed bulb
Map Light
DE3175Verify installed bulb
Parking Light
168Verify installed bulb
Rear Turn Signal
7440AVerify installed bulb
Reverse Light
921Verify installed bulb
Technical details and sources
Confirm the installed bulb, connector, housing, and factory system before ordering.
Position
Bulb or system
Fitment status
High/Low Beam CombinedFactory system not specified
9003 / H4
Bulb size confirmed
Other Subaru Forester years
Each model year opens its own BulbFacts record. Bulb sizes and factory systems are not carried over from adjacent years.
Fitment note: Verify the installed bulb, connector, housing, and factory system before ordering. A bulb-size match is not automatically a conversion recommendation or proof of vehicle-specific testing.
