Toyota Camry back up light bulbs utilize 921 and 1156 sizes, with inner positions requiring 921 bulb size and outer positions accommodating 921 or 1156 bulb sizes. The replacement chart covers 1985 through 2026 vehicle production years with corresponding bulb size specifications.
The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.
Back Up Light
Years
Bulb Size
2026
921(LE/SE/Nightshade (halogen). XLE/XSE have factory LED)
The 921 bulb is an ANSI-standard wedge-type unit in the T15 form factor, rated at 12 volts and 16 watts. It is the dominant back up light bulb across the Toyota Camry specifications, appearing in the vast majority of model years covered.
The 1156 bulb is an ANSI-standard single-filament unit with a BA15s bayonet base, rated at 12 volts and 21 watts. The bayonet base requires a twist-and-lock installation method, which is mechanically distinct from the friction-fit wedge base of the 921.
The Toyota Camry (1985-1996) uses the 1156 bulb for the back up light, while the 1997 and later model years transition to the 921. These two bulb types use different base designs and are not interchangeable.
The 1996 Outer Back Up Light carries a production date qualifier of "To 08/1996," indicating that the 1156 fitment applies only to units produced through that cutoff, after which the 921 applies for that position.
For the 2025-2026 Toyota Camry, the XLE and XSE trims are equipped with factory LED back up lights, meaning the 921 bulb specification applies exclusively to the halogen-equipped trims such as the LE, SE, and Nightshade on the 2026.
The Inner Back Up Light position on the 2012 Camry carries a "From 09/2011" production date qualifier, indicating that this sub-part fitment does not apply to all units of that model year.
The Inner Back Up Light position on the 1999 Camry carries a "From 08/1999" qualifier, similarly restricting the 921 fitment to vehicles produced from that date onward within the model year.
The 921 operates at 16 watts while the 1156 operates at 21 watts. Substituting one for the other would result in a wattage mismatch relative to the original socket and wiring design for that position.