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Forward Lighting
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Exterior Lighting
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Interior Lighting
Your 2013 Lincoln MKX Headlight Setup
The 2013 Lincoln MKX received a mid-cycle refresh that sharpened the exterior styling, but under the headlight housings, the proven D3S HID system carried over from earlier model years. The 2013 Lincoln MKX headlight bulb size is D3S HID for the low beams and 9005 for the high beams, with H11 fog lights. Factory HID low beams came standard across all trims, which was a distinguishing feature in the luxury crossover segment at the time.
By now, the original D3S xenon bulbs in a 2013 MKX have logged thousands of hours of use. Even if they're still lighting up, the output is a fraction of what it was new. Many owners notice this most on roads they've driven for years — familiar stretches suddenly feel darker than they used to. That's the bulbs fading, not your memory.
Best Headlight Upgrade for the 2013 Lincoln MKX
The 2013 MKX's HID projector housings are designed for high-intensity light sources, which means both LED conversions and HID replacements perform well in this vehicle.
An LED conversion kit swaps out the D3S xenon bulb and ballast for a single LED module. For the MKX, this means one less component to fail (the ballast), zero warm-up time on cold mornings, and a stable white beam that doesn't shift color as the bulb ages. The LED module plugs into the existing projector housing and wiring harness. Most MKX owners complete both sides in under an hour.
Replacing the D3S bulbs with fresh xenon units is the fastest option if your ballasts are still healthy. It's a straightforward bulb swap — same size, same connector — and you're back to the brightness level you had when the vehicle was new. HID Nation offers D3S bulbs in multiple color temperatures to suit your preference.
The 2013 MKX does use electrical monitoring that can detect LED's lower power draw. A CANBUS decoder or compatible kit prevents dashboard warnings. Every HID Nation order includes free shipping and a lifetime warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What headlight bulb does a 2013 Lincoln MKX require?
The 2013 Lincoln MKX requires D3S HID bulbs for the low beams and 9005 bulbs for the high beams. The fog lights use H11 bulbs. The D3S is a mercury-free xenon bulb — it shares the same projector housing design as the 2011-2012 MKX, so replacement procedures are identical across these model years.
How do I replace the HID headlight bulbs on a 2013 Lincoln MKX?
Access the headlight bulbs from the engine bay behind each housing. Remove the dust cover, disconnect the ballast wiring connector, then release the metal retaining clip that holds the D3S bulb in place. Pull the old bulb straight out and insert the replacement. If you're doing an LED conversion, you'll also unbolt the ballast unit and connect the LED module's driver in its place. The driver side offers slightly more working room than the passenger side.
Is LED or HID better for the 2013 Lincoln MKX?
Both technologies work well in the MKX's projector housings. LED offers practical advantages — instant full brightness, no ballast to fail, longer lifespan, and stable color output. HID delivers dense, powerful light that some drivers prefer for its raw intensity. If your existing ballasts are working fine and you just want restored brightness, fresh D3S HID bulbs are the simplest path. If you want a more modern lighting experience and the convenience of not worrying about ballast or bulb degradation, LED is the way to go.
Will 2011 MKX headlight bulbs fit a 2013 MKX?
Yes. The 2011 and 2013 Lincoln MKX both use D3S HID low beam bulbs, 9005 high beam bulbs, and H11 fog light bulbs. The headlight housing design is shared across the first-generation MKX (2007-2015), so bulbs, LED conversion kits, and HID replacements are interchangeable between these model years.
Can I upgrade the 2013 MKX fog lights to LED?
Yes. The 2013 MKX uses standard H11 fog light bulbs, which are one of the most widely available sizes for LED upgrades. Swapping the fog lights to LED alongside a headlight upgrade ensures consistent color temperature across the entire front lighting system. The fog light bulbs are accessed from under the front bumper — a quick job that takes about 10 minutes per side.