Subaru Forester Trunk Bulb Size

The Subaru Forester trunk light utilizes 912 and 12961 bulb sizes for the interior cargo area illumination. Available data for the specified vehicle covers the range from 1998 to 2024.

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
2023-2024	912
2017-2019	12961
2009-2013	912
1998-2008	12961

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Wedge bulb (T15). Variant of 921. 12V, 12W.	912
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The 912 bulb is an ANSI-standardized type used in the United States and Canada. It follows the T15 wedge form factor, operates at 12 volts, and draws 12 watts. It is a variant of the 921 bulb.
The 12961 is a Philips part number designating a miniature T10 wedge bulb with a W2.1x9.5d base. It operates at 12 volts and draws 5 watts, making it a lower-wattage bulb than the 912.
The Subaru Forester trunk bulb specification calls for one of two bulb types across its model years: the 912 or the 12961. These two bulbs differ in base type, physical size, and wattage, and are not interchangeable with each other.
The 912 bulb is specified for the Subaru Forester in 2009-2013 and 2023-2024.
The 12961 bulb is specified for model years 1998-2008 and 2017-2019.
Because the 912 and 12961 use different base configurations, a T15 wedge socket and a W2.1x9.5d T10 socket are not compatible with each other, and substituting one bulb for the other is not supported by the specifications.
The 912 bulb, at 12 watts, produces a higher light output than the 5-watt 12961, reflecting a meaningful difference in illumination between the two specified types.