Replacing a tail light is usually a 10-minute job that costs $15 to $30 for the bulb

Most tail light replacements involve removing a bulb from the housing behind your car's bumper, not replacing the entire fixture. You'll unscrew the housing from inside your trunk or hatchback, pull out the old bulb, and push in a new one. The whole process takes longer to find a parking spot than to do the work. You do not need special tools, a mechanic, or any electrical knowledge.

The cost depends on what burned out. A single replacement bulb runs $10 to $25 at an auto parts store. If the entire housing is cracked or the wiring is damaged, a shop will charge $150 to $400 for parts and labor, but that's rare — usually it's just the bulb.

Key Takeaways

  • Access the tail light housing from inside your trunk or hatchback by removing a panel or unscrewing bolts from behind the bumper.
  • Twist the bulb socket counterclockwise to remove it, then pull the old bulb straight out and replace it with a new one of the same type.
  • Check your owner's manual or the housing itself to find the correct bulb type — common ones are 1157, 3157, or 7440, and they cost $10 to $25.
  • Test the light before you close everything up by turning on your headlights or having someone press the brake pedal while you watch the rear.

Locate the tail light housing from inside your vehicle

Open your trunk or hatchback and look at the inner wall behind where the tail light sits on the outside. You'll see either a plastic panel you can pop out by hand or bolts holding the housing in place. Some cars have a removable trim panel that covers the entire inner wall — check your owner's manual if you can't find the housing when ready.

If you see bolts, use a socket wrench or Phillips screwdriver to remove them. If you see a panel, push on the edges or corners until it clicks free. The housing itself will either stay attached to the car by wiring (which is fine — you don't need to disconnect it) or come out completely in your hand.

Remove the bulb socket and old bulb

Once the housing is exposed, you'll see a plastic socket sticking out from the back. Grip it firmly and twist it counterclockwise about a quarter turn — it will come free in your hand. The bulb is mounted inside this socket and will come out with it.

Pull the bulb straight out of the socket. It may take a little pressure, but it should not require force. If it's stuck, wiggle it gently side to side as you pull. Do not twist the bulb itself — only twist the socket.

Install the new bulb and test it

Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it seats completely. The bulb should sit flush with the socket opening. Twist the socket clockwise back into the housing until you feel it click or seat firmly — again, about a quarter turn.

Before you reassemble everything, test the light. Turn on your headlights and look at the tail light, or have someone press the brake pedal while you watch the rear of the car. The light should glow. If it doesn't, remove the socket again and check that the bulb is fully seated, or try a different bulb to rule out a defective replacement.

Reassemble the housing and panel

Once the light works, push the housing back into place or screw the bolts back in. If you removed a trim panel, snap it back into position — you should hear a click when it seats. Close your trunk or hatchback.

That's the job. You can dispose of the old bulb in your household trash or take it to an auto parts store, which often recycles them for free.

Finding the right bulb type for your car

Tail light bulbs come in several standard sizes, and using the wrong one means it won't fit or won't work. Check your owner's manual first — it will list the bulb type by number. Common tail light bulbs are 1157, 3157, 7440, and 7443, but your car may use something different.

If you don't have the manual, look at the socket itself after you remove it. Many sockets have the bulb type printed on the plastic. You can also take a photo of the socket and show it to an auto parts store employee, who can match it for you. Bring the old bulb with you if you have it — the employee can identify it by sight.

Buy the bulb at an auto parts store, a big-box retailer like Walmart or Target, or online. Prices are similar everywhere, usually $10 to $25 per bulb. Some stores will install it for free if you buy it there, which saves you the 10 minutes of work if you'd rather not do it yourself.

When to take your car to a shop instead

If the housing is cracked, melted, or leaking water inside, the bulb replacement won't fix it — you need a new housing. If the wiring inside the housing is corroded or burned, a shop will need to replace the entire assembly. These jobs run $150 to $400 depending on your car and the shop.

You should also see a shop if the light doesn't work after you've installed a new bulb and confirmed it's the right type. That usually means a wiring problem or a blown fuse, both of which require a mechanic's tools to diagnose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a tail light and a brake light?

They're the same bulb in most cars. When you turn on your headlights, the tail light glows dimly. When you press the brake pedal, the same bulb glows brighter. If only the bright function isn't working, the bulb itself is usually the problem. If neither works, check your fuses first.

Can I replace just one tail light, or do I have to replace both?

Replace only the one that burned out. There's no rule requiring both to match, and the other one will work fine until it burns out on its own, which could be months or years away.

What if I can't find the housing from inside the trunk?

Some cars require you to remove the bumper or access the housing from underneath the car. Check your owner's manual for the exact steps. If you're not comfortable doing that, an auto parts store employee can often walk you through it over the phone, or a shop can do it for $50 to $100 in labor.

Do I need to disconnect the battery before replacing a tail light?

No. Tail lights run on low voltage and there's no risk of shock or damage. You can work on them with the battery connected and the car off.

How long do tail light bulbs last?

Most incandescent tail light bulbs last 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use, which usually means 2 to 5 years depending on how much you drive. LED tail lights last much longer — often 10 years or more — but they cost more to replace if they do fail.