Thinking of updating to LED tail lights, pros and cons

Have been looking at LED tail lights to swap on my 2010 sport.
One of my OEMS has internal scratches and the truck lives outside…..

pros and cons please……

 

OEM LED or aftermarket?

With some aftermarket you will need resistors for the turn signals. There are also some people who have had issues with moisture / condensation inside aftermarket lenses. Otherwise not many downsides to LED. Maybe in really messy weather the heat from an incandescent bulb keeps ice from building up but LED doesn't. Not much you can do if an LED tail light has an issue either, gotta replace the whole unit. Not sure how often that happens.

Pros are a more modern look, brighter lights and lots of options.

I went with aftermarket LED and have been really happy with them.



They even look good when Delaware DOT snaps a photo of you because you forgot your EZ Pass

 

No OEM LED tail lights 2nd gen …….everything is after market…….and that’s why I’m asking……
Looking for someone with good aftermarket experience. No leaks, good fit, no modifications…..

 

I'm pretty sure the 12-15 gens had LED that are plug and play with the earlier models. I could be wrong but I'd swear I've seen them

My experience with aftermarket has been good though.

 

09-15 were LED, I've had a set from a '14 on my '05 for years now. No complaints, no burnt out LEDs yet.

 

You saying OEM led taillights for those years? I ask because even 2021’s are still mostly halogen for tail lights.

 

Yes you could get them with LED in later 2nd gens.

After a little research they were available from 09-15 and had LED brake lights but incandescent turn signals and reverse lights.

https://toyotaparts.bochtoyotasouth...p-assembly-2009-2015-toyota-tacoma-8156004160

 

My 2010 came with LEDs from the factory for the running/brake lights. Reverse and turns were incandescent. Any aftermarket housing is going to be sub par unless you pay big buckaroos. Find a wrecked 09+ and get their tail light assemblies.

 

Even the 2016-current Tacos are LED. They have more options for LED tails than we do. Yes, there are non-LED tails for base model (SR and some SR5) 3rd gens, but all of the upscale trims (TRD, Limited, etc.) all come with LED tails.



But you own a 2nd gen, right? @VXEric has you covered with the link you want.

 

Interesting….
Nope. Just got a ‘21 Sport Premium with the LED headlight/ fog package up front.
Ive already changed my reverse lights to led . Definitely pulled out halogen bulbs.
Rear flashers/turn signals glow like halogen but now your info interests me .

I could swear thats what they are, as well as the stop bulbs. Im going to have to pull one to confirm it now .

PS. Typed the ‘with led’ part #on Toyota Parts and then to the exploded diagram with the bulbs , the actual photos show halogen bulbs . #9098113044/ combination lamp. Im gonna get to the bottom of this..

 

Yes the reverse lamps on the 3rd gen are still incandescent, dunno on the turn signal/flasher though I'd assume those are incandescent in the tails still? You have fun with that investigation. To get back on thread topic; the tail/brake element is LED on the vast majority* of 09-15 Tacomas.

(* I'd forgotten some of the base 5-lug models still came with non-LED).

 

I've been running these taillights for quite some time now(2yrs?) with no issues whatsoever. They were complete plug-n-play