Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Tail lights

2016 Subaru Exiga tail-lights: purpose, care and replacement

Tail-lights are absolutely fitted to the 2016 Subaru Exiga (including Exiga Crossover 7) and are essential equipment. This is supported by technical sources such as Subaru’s owner’s manual and service information for the model’s rear combination lamp, Subaru parts catalogues listing the “lamp rear combination” assembly, and lighting regulations that vehicles must meet in Australia and New Zealand (ADR 49/00 referencing UNECE R7 for tail/stop lamps and ADR 13/00/UNECE R48 for installation). Put simply, the Exiga can’t be road-legal without working tail-lights.

On this seven-seater, the rear combination lamps handle multiple jobs: tail/park lights for night-time visibility, brake lights to warn following drivers, rear indicators, reverse lamps, and often a rear fog lamp on some trims. Many 2016 Exiga variants run conventional replaceable bulbs for stop/tail, indicator and reverse functions, while some trims feature LED signature elements within the housing. The aim is consistent—bright, even illumination so the car is seen clearly in all conditions.

For everyday upkeep, it’s worth giving the tail-lights a quick check whenever refuelling or at least monthly. They should glow a uniform red with no flicker, and indicators must flash amber at a steady rate. Cloudy lenses, moisture inside the housing, or a pinkish/weak glow are signs it’s time for attention.

• Bulbs: Common fits are T20/7443 (stop/tail), T20/7440 amber (indicator), and W16W/T15 (reverse), but owners should confirm against the Exiga owner’s manual or the bulb chart in the service guide by VIN.
• Replacement: Open the tailgate, remove the trim access cover, twist the bulb holder anticlockwise, swap the bulb, and reinstall. Avoid touching glass bulbs with bare fingers, use gloves or a clean cloth.
• LED trims: If the tail function is LED and fails, the lamp assembly may need replacement as a unit.
• Seals and wiring: Check the lamp gasket for cracks, apply a dab of dielectric grease to connectors, and ensure the earth point is clean to prevent intermittent faults.
• Fuses: If both tail lamps are out, check the fuse labelled TAIL or PARK in the interior or engine-bay fuse box and replace only with the specified amperage.

During scheduled servicing, a workshop should test all rear lamps, verify alignment and brightness, clean the lenses, and note any lens damage or water ingress. That keeps the Exiga compliant for WOF/rego checks and, more importantly, clearly visible to everyone on the road.

Popular questions about 2016 Subaru Exiga tail-lights

What bulb types does the 2016 Exiga use for the tail-lights?

Most 2016 Exiga models use replaceable bulbs such as T20/7443 for combined stop/tail, T20/7440 (amber) for indicators, and W16W/T15 for reverse. Variations exist by trim and market, and some assemblies include LED elements. The safest bet is to confirm via the owner’s manual or a Subaru parts lookup with the VIN.

How often should the tail-lights be checked or replaced?

Give them a quick visual check monthly or before night drives, and have them tested at each service. Bulbs are replaced on condition—dim, intermittent, or failed. Many owners replace brake/park bulbs in pairs to keep brightness even side to side.

Are the Exiga’s tail-lights LED or standard bulbs, and does that change replacement?

It depends on trim. Many cars have standard replaceable bulbs for core functions, while some trims add LED signature elements. If an LED section fails, the usual remedy is replacing the lamp assembly, if a bulb fails, it’s a simple bulb swap. A technician can confirm which your vehicle has in minutes.