Volkswagen Touareg Back Up Light Bulb Size

The Volkswagen Touareg back up light utilizes 921 and H21W bulb sizes for the rear illumination system. Data for the specific components covers the range from 2004 through 2017.

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
2011-2017	921
2004-2010	H21W

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Wedge bulb (T15). 12V, 16W.	921
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Single-filament signalling bulb with BAY9s base. 12V, 21W.	H21W

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Volkswagen Touareg backup light specifications cover model years 2004-2017 and reference two distinct bulb types: the 921 and the H21W.
The 921 is an ANSI-standard wedge bulb of the T15 type, rated at 12V and 16W, and is the designated backup light bulb for the Touareg across the 2011-2017 model years.
The H21W is an ECE-standard single-filament signalling bulb with a BAY9s base, rated at 12V and 21W, and is specified for the Touareg across the 2004-2010 model years.
The ANSI and ECE designations reflect different regional standardization systems. ANSI governs the US and Canada, while ECE applies to Europe and other international markets.
The two bulb types use physically incompatible bases. The 921 uses a wedge-style base, while the H21W uses a BAY9s bayonet base, meaning the two are not interchangeable.
Although both bulbs share the same 12V operating voltage, the H21W draws 21W compared to the 921's 16W, representing a difference in power consumption between the two generations of Touareg fitment.
The BAY9s base of the H21W is an offset bayonet fitting, a design that prevents incorrect installation by ensuring the bulb can only be seated in one orientation.
The T15 designation of the 921 refers to the wedge bulb's body size, with the number indicating the width of the bulb body in eighths of an inch.