# Replace headlights from same generation different year car models, possible?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-headlights-from-same-generation-different-year-car-models-possible/131338>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Created:** [December 24, 2018, 11:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-headlights-from-same-generation-different-year-car-models-possible/131338 "2018-12-24T11:43:04Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Noelm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9fc348/32.png) [@Noelm](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Noelm)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 11:43am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-headlights-from-same-generation-different-year-car-models-possible/131338/1 "2018-12-24T11:43:04Z")

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There is an interesting thread on the Forester board where the poster is considering changing the complete headlight with different year model. Its a great idea actually but I am curious if it will fit.

[https://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f85/2017-led-projector-headlights-2015-halogen-792023/](https://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f85/2017-led-projector-headlights-2015-halogen-792023/)

I have the same vehicle and I am going to replace the headlights soon, but this idea feels better, although way expensive than just replacing the bulbs.

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**Author:** ![COROLLAGUY1](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/corollaguy1/32/7575_2.png) [@COROLLAGUY1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/COROLLAGUY1)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 12:31pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-headlights-from-same-generation-different-year-car-models-possible/131338/2 "2018-12-24T12:31:53Z")

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Replacing headlight is a lot of work and they will need to be adjusted by a Subaru dealer because they could blind other drivers. Replacing bulbs is much more easier.

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**Author:** ![JG46](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8dc957/32.png) [@JG46](https://community.cartalk.com/u/JG46)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 12:50pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-headlights-from-same-generation-different-year-car-models-possible/131338/3 "2018-12-24T12:50:15Z")

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If OEM Numbers match then it’ll be no problem I think

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**Author:** ![Purebred](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/purebred/32/46796_2.png) [@Purebred](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Purebred)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 1:01pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-headlights-from-same-generation-different-year-car-models-possible/131338/4 "2018-12-24T13:01:23Z")

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If you choose this route, be sure to check if there are on there electrical modifications required. They might be plug and play, I don’t know.

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**Author:** ![NYBo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nybo/32/17281_2.png) [@NYBo](https://community.cartalk.com/u/NYBo)\
**Post date:** [December 24, 2018, 1:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/replace-headlights-from-same-generation-different-year-car-models-possible/131338/5 "2018-12-24T13:04:53Z")

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Look up aftermarket units. If they cover both years in question, odds are very high they will work.