Hyundai Santa Fe Back Up Light Bulb Size

The Hyundai Santa Fe back up light utilizes 921, 1156, and P21W bulb sizes depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Available data covers the range from 2001 through 2023 for the specified lighting components.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	Bulb Size
2007-2023	921
2001-2006	1156

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Wedge bulb (T15). 12V, 16W.	921
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Single-filament bulb with BA15s bayonet base. 12V, 21W.	1156

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Hyundai Santa Fe backup light specification calls for two distinct bulb types across its model history: the 921 and the 1156, each with a different base type and wattage rating.
The 921 is a T15 wedge-base bulb rated at 12V and 16W under the ANSI standard applicable in the US and Canada. Its wedge-style base is retained by friction rather than a locking mechanism, which distinguishes it from bayonet-style designs.
The 1156 is a single-filament bulb with a BA15s bayonet base, also rated at 12V but drawing 21W. The BA15s designation indicates a single-contact bayonet fitting with a 15mm base width, which is not interchangeable with the wedge socket used by the 921.
The Hyundai Santa Fe (2007-2023) uses the 921 bulb for the backup light position, representing the majority of model years covered in the specifications.
The 2001-2006 Santa Fe uses the 1156 bulb, which operates at a higher wattage than the 921 found in later model years.
Because the 921 and 1156 use physically incompatible base types, a wedge socket and a bayonet socket respectively, the two bulbs are not interchangeable regardless of their shared 12V operating voltage.
The wattage difference between the two bulbs, 16W for the 921 versus 21W for the 1156, means the socket and wiring in each respective application are matched to different current draws, reinforcing that substitution between the two types is not appropriate.