Kia Sportage License Plate Bulb Size

The Kia Sportage license plate light utilizes 12961, DE3423, and 168 bulb sizes depending on the specific version of the vehicle. Available information covers a range from 1995 through 2023 for the components mentioned.

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
2023	12961
2017-2020	12961
2011-2016	DE3423
2005-2010	168
1995-2002	168

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Festoon bulb, 41mm length, end-cap contacts. 12V.	DE3423
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 4.9W.	168

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Kia Sportage license plate bulb specifications reference three distinct bulb types across its model years: the 12961, the DE3423, and the 168.
The 168 is an ANSI-standard miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor, rated at 12V and 4.9W. The Kia Sportage uses this bulb for its license plate position across the 1995-2002 and 2006-2010 model years.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designation for a T10 miniature wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base, rated at 12V and 5W. The Kia Sportage uses this bulb for the 2017-2020 and 2023 model years.
The 168 and 12961 share the same T10 wedge form factor, though their wattage ratings differ slightly at 4.9W and 5W respectively. The 12961 carries a manufacturer-specific designation rather than an ANSI standard number.
The DE3423 is an ANSI-standard festoon bulb with a 41mm length and end-cap contacts, rated at 12V. The Kia Sportage uses this bulb for the 2011-2016 model years.
Festoon bulbs such as the DE3423 use a fundamentally different mounting and contact design than wedge bulbs. A wedge-type bulb is not interchangeable with a festoon-type bulb, making the 2011-2016 Sportage fitment incompatible with the bulbs used in earlier or later model years.
The W2.1x9.5d base designation on the 12961 refers to a standardized IEC base code, where the number indicates the pin spacing and contact width of the wedge base.
The DE3423 festoon bulb relies on spring tension between two end caps to maintain contact within the socket, a retention method distinct from the friction-fit wedge base used by both the 168 and 12961.