Which Brake Light Bulb Does a 2012 Honda Civic Use?

The 2012 Honda Civic uses a 7443 dual‑filament bulb (21/5W, wedge base) for the left and right rear stop/tail lights; the center high-mount stop lamp (third brake light) is an LED module on most trims and is typically not a serviceable bulb. This applies to most U.S.-market sedan and coupe models, though you should verify by trim and market, as assemblies can vary.

The Correct Bulb Types by Location

Here is a concise breakdown of the rear brake lighting on a 2012 Civic, focusing on what owners most commonly need to replace and what differs by lamp position.

• Left/right stop/tail (rear combination lamps): 7443 dual-filament (W21/5W) wedge bulb
• Center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL/third brake light): LED module (non-replaceable bulb; replace the lamp assembly if it fails)

For most maintenance scenarios, replacing the outboard 7443 bulbs restores normal brake/tail function. If the third brake light fails, plan on replacing the full LED unit rather than a bulb.

Body Style and Trim Nuances

While the 7443 stop/tail bulb is standard across most 2012 Civic sedan and coupe trims (LX, EX, EX-L, Si), there are nuances worth noting due to market differences and occasional mid-cycle parts updates.

• Sedan and Coupe (most U.S. trims): 7443 for left/right stop/tail; LED CHMSL assembly
• Si models: Same bulb setup as non-Si in most cases (7443 for stop/tail; LED CHMSL)
• Hybrid and non-U.S. variants: Generally follow the same 7443 stop/tail spec, but some markets may have different lamp modules or LED configurations—verify by VIN or owner’s manual

If your Civic’s third brake light looks like an LED light bar and has no obvious bulb socket, it’s the LED module. If in doubt, check the owner’s manual or the part listing under your VIN.

Choosing a Replacement: Halogen vs. LED

When replacing the 7443 bulb, you can choose standard halogen or an LED retrofit. Each has trade-offs in compatibility, brightness, and longevity.

• Halogen 7443 (OEM-style): Direct fit, correct brightness and beam pattern, no hyper-flash or error risks
• LED 7443 replacement: Longer life, faster illumination; choose red LEDs for red lenses and ensure they’re CAN-bus compatible if needed
• Quality and legality: Use reputable brands and ensure the lamp meets local regulations; avoid over-bright or poorly focused LEDs

For the smoothest plug-and-play experience, a high-quality halogen 7443 matches the factory setup. If upgrading to LED, pick a red, dual-intensity 7443 designed for stop/tail use.

How to Confirm Before You Buy

Though the 7443/LED combo is typical, it’s smart to confirm your exact setup to avoid returns or mismatches.

1. Check the owner’s manual under “Lights” for the stop/tail and CHMSL specifications
2. Look at the bulb itself: a 7443 is a wedge-base, dual-filament bulb marked W21/5W or 7443
3. Use a reputable online bulb guide (enter year/make/model) or consult your dealer with your VIN
4. Visually inspect the third brake light: if there’s no removable socket, it’s an LED assembly

A quick manual check or VIN-based lookup ensures you get the right part the first time.

Summary

The 2012 Honda Civic uses a 7443 dual-filament bulb for the left and right rear stop/tail lights, while the center high-mount stop lamp is typically an integrated LED module. Verify by trim and market, but this specification covers the vast majority of 2012 Civic sedans and coupes in the U.S. If replacing, choose quality parts and confirm fitment with your manual or VIN.

What size bulb is in the tail light of a 2012 Honda Civic?

The 2012 Honda Civic uses the 7443 bulb size for the tail and brake lights, and sometimes the turn signal, though a 7440 can also be used as a single-filament alternative for the turn signal. 
Here’s a breakdown for different lighting functions:

• Tail and Brake Lights: Use a dual-filament 7443 bulb for both functions. 
• Turn Signal: A 7443 (dual filament) or 7440 (single filament) bulb can be used. 

Important Considerations: 

• Dual vs. Single Filament: A 7443 bulb has two filaments (one for tail lights, one for brake lights), while a 7440 bulb has only one. Make sure to get the correct type for your vehicle’s needs.
• Confirm Before Purchasing: It’s always a good idea to check your specific vehicle’s needs before purchasing to ensure you get the right size.
• LED Options: If you are replacing with LED bulbs, you may see various part numbers and specifications listed, so confirm the 7443 compatibility.

Is 7443 a brake light?

Despite their differences, the 3157 and 7443 bulbs share some commonalities: Dual Filament Options: These bulbs can serve as both brake lights and parking lights, offering versatility for different vehicle wiring setups.

What headlight bulb do I need for a 2012 Honda Civic?

The 2012 Honda Civic requires a 9006 (HB4) bulb for the low beam and a 9005 (HB3) bulb for the high beam. Additionally, if your Civic has front fog lights, they typically use an H11 bulb.
 
Here’s a breakdown of the headlight bulb types for the 2012 Honda Civic: 

• Low Beam: 9006 (HB4)
• High Beam: 9005 (HB3)
• Fog Light (Optional): H11

How to use this information:
When purchasing replacement bulbs, make sure to select the correct type for your specific beam (low beam, high beam, or fog light) to ensure they fit and function properly in your vehicle.

Which bulb is the brake light on a Honda Civic?

Honda Civic Sedan (2022) Bulb Size Chart

Headlights (Low Beam)	H11 (H8 H9)
Reverse Light (Back-Up Light)	T15 (912 921)
Brake Light (Rear)	7443 (7440)
Brake Light (High-Mounted)	7443 (7440)
Turn Signal Light (Rear)	7443 (7440)