Mazda CX-3 License Plate Bulb Size

The Mazda CX-3 license plate light requires a 12961 bulb size for proper installation and function within the rear exterior lighting assembly. Available data for the specified vehicle covers a range from 2016 to 2021.

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 Type	Shop
2021	12961	Check Price
2016-2019	12961	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961	Check Price

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Additional Notes

The Mazda CX-3 uses the 12961 bulb for its license plate lighting across the 2016-2021 model years.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a miniature wedge bulb in the T10 form factor.
T10 refers to the bulb's tubular shape, with the number indicating a width of 10 thirty-seconds of an inch, making it one of the smallest wedge bulbs used in automotive applications.
The base type is W2.1x9.5d, a wedge-style base that relies on wire contacts rather than a traditional pin or bayonet fitting for retention and electrical connection.
The bulb operates at 12 volts and 5 watts, which is standard for low-current auxiliary lighting positions such as license plate illumination.
The T10 W2.1x9.5d base is a widely used standard in automotive lighting, meaning aftermarket and OEM-equivalent replacements from multiple manufacturers are generally available under this specification.
When substituting the 12961 with an alternative bulb, the W2.1x9.5d base type and 12V/5W rating must match to ensure proper fitment and circuit compatibility in the CX-3.