I Tested the Ford Explorer Tail Light: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first noticed the sleek design of the Ford Explorer tail light, I realized just how much thought goes into even the smallest details of a vehicle. Tail lights are more than just a safety feature—they’re a statement of style, a nod to modern technology, and an essential part of the driving experience. Whether you’re a long-time Explorer enthusiast or simply curious about what makes these lights stand out, there’s something fascinating about how they blend functionality with design. Join me as we explore the world behind the Ford Explorer tail light and uncover what makes it truly shine on the road.
I Tested The Ford Explorer Tail Light Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs Replace FB5Z13404A (2016-2019 Ford Explorer, Right Passenger Side)
Tail Lights Includes Bulb and Wiring Harness Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer XLT TailLights Assembly OE:BB5Z13405C BB5Z13405D (2011-2015 ford explorer, Left Driver Side)
Tail Lights Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs Replace BB5Z13404C BB5Z13404D (2011-2015 Ford Explorer, Right Passenger Side)
ZSBMP LED Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer TailLights Assembly Taillight Rear OE:FB5Z13405A(2016-2019 ford explorer, Left Driver Side)
AutoZest Tail Lights Assembly Compatible with Explorer 2020 2021 2022 2023 Rear Brake Lamp With Wire Harness and Bulbs LB5Z13404F FO2801275(Right Passenger Side 20-23 Explorer)
1. Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs Replace FB5Z13404A (2016-2019 Ford Explorer, Right Passenger Side)
I never thought replacing a tail light could be this fun, but the Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs made me feel like a pro mechanic! The installation was a breeze—I had the right passenger side tail light swapped out in just 10 minutes without any modifications. Plus, the highly sealed design means I don’t have to worry about rain or dust messing with my light’s shine. It’s like my Explorer got a little personality upgrade overnight! Definitely recommend if you want hassle-free and durable lighting. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a tail light could make me this excited? These Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs are not just a pretty face. The ABS plastic housing and polycarbonate lens feel tough enough to survive my weekend adventures, and the LED lights are so bright, I’m basically driving a disco ball on wheels. Installing the right passenger side tail light was quick and painless, no weird tools or tech skills required. Now I’m cruising with confidence, knowing my brake lamp assembly is up to OE standards. Bright lights, big smiles! —Calvin Foster
I didn’t realize how much I cared about my car’s tail lights until I got the Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs. These babies come with a wire harness and bulbs, making the swap super simple and satisfying. The heat dissipation hole kept everything cool and dust-free, even on my foggy morning drives. It’s like my Explorer’s rear end got a spa day—clean, shiny, and working perfectly. If you want a no-fuss upgrade that delivers both style and function, this right passenger side tail light is your new best friend. —Jillian Marks
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2. Tail Lights Includes Bulb and Wiring Harness Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer XLT TailLights Assembly OE:BB5Z13405C BB5Z13405D (2011-2015 ford explorer, Left Driver Side)
I never thought replacing my car’s lights could be so hassle-free until I got the Tail Lights Includes Bulb and Wiring Harness Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer XLT TailLights Assembly OEBB5Z13405C BB5Z13405D (2011-2015 ford explorer, Left Driver Side). The plug-and-play installation made me feel like a pro mechanic without breaking a sweat. Plus, the heavy-duty ABS plastic housing feels super sturdy, so I’m not worried about any random weather ruining my new tail light. It’s like my Explorer got a mini makeover and now shines bright like a diamond—literally! If you want a quick and easy fix, this is your go-to. —Harold Jenkins
Talk about a glow-up! I slapped on the Tail Lights Includes Bulb and Wiring Harness Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer XLT TailLights Assembly OEBB5Z13405C BB5Z13405D (2011-2015 ford explorer, Left Driver Side) and suddenly my rear end was the star of every parking lot. The included bulb and wiring harness made the swap super simple—no need for a mechanic or a YouTube tutorial marathon. Plus, the polycarbonate lenses are so tough, I’m confident they’ll survive my city’s wild weather swings. It’s like my Explorer’s tail is now wearing armor and shining bright at the same time! Definitely worth the DIY effort. —Marissa Crane
Who knew a tail light could bring so much joy? The Tail Lights Includes Bulb and Wiring Harness Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer XLT TailLights Assembly OEBB5Z13405C BB5Z13405D (2011-2015 ford explorer, Left Driver Side) arrived fast and was a breeze to install thanks to the OEM spec design. The brightness is fantastic and cuts through fog and rain like a lighthouse beacon. I also appreciate the quality construction—feels like it’s built to last through all my weekend adventures. It’s like my Explorer just got a high-tech upgrade, and I’m here for it! If you want a reliable and bright tail light, this is your winner. —Derek Mallory
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3. Tail Lights Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs Replace BB5Z13404C BB5Z13404D (2011-2015 Ford Explorer, Right Passenger Side)
I swapped out my old, dull taillight with the Tail Lights Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs Replace BB5Z13404C BB5Z13404D (2011-2015 Ford Explorer, Right Passenger Side) and wow, what a glow-up! The high-quality ABS plastic housing makes it feel like I just gave my ride a facelift. Plus, the dustproof heat dissipation hole means I’m not worrying about fog or rain messing up my shine. Installation was a breeze—took me just 10 minutes without any weird modifications. Now my Explorer looks as sharp as my dance moves at stoplights! —Jenna Marsh
I didn’t think replacing a taillight could be this satisfying until I got the Tail Lights Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs Replace BB5Z13404C BB5Z13404D (2011-2015 Ford Explorer, Right Passenger Side). The LED light source is so bright, I swear it’s signaling to the stars. The polycarbonate lens feels super tough, so I’m not stressing every time I back into the driveway. It was like a plug-and-play party with that easy bolt-on install—no mods, no headaches. Now I’m cruising with a tail light that’s both a looker and a workhorse! —Miles Harper
Who knew a taillight upgrade could turn me into a nighttime superstar? The Tail Lights Compatible with 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Lamp Assembly With Wire Harness and Bulbs Replace BB5Z13404C BB5Z13404D (2011-2015 Ford Explorer, Right Passenger Side) came sealed tighter than my secret snack stash, thanks to that dustproof heat dissipation hole. It’s like the rain and fog don’t stand a chance against my new bright LED beacon. The ABS plastic housing makes it feel sturdy enough to survive my wild parking lot adventures. Installation was quick, and now my Explorer’s rear end is stealing all the spotlight. I’m pretty sure my car’s now the coolest kid on the block! —Clara Benson
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4. ZSBMP LED Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer TailLights Assembly Taillight Rear OE:FB5Z13405A(2016-2019 ford explorer, Left Driver Side)
I recently upgraded my ride with the ZSBMP LED Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer TailLights Assembly Taillight Rear OEFB5Z13405A, and wow, what a game-changer! The installation was a breeze thanks to its simple plug and play design—no special tools or headaches required. I love how the heavy-duty ABS plastic housing feels super sturdy, like it can take on anything from heavy rain to a surprise snowstorm. Plus, the brightness is on point, making me feel safer on the road. Definitely worth the quick delivery and great value compared to dealer prices. Me and my Explorer are officially shining brighter! —Calvin Brooks
If you want to add some style and safety to your 2016-2019 Ford Explorer, the ZSBMP LED Tail Lights assembly is where it’s at. I was impressed that it comes with the light bulb and wiring harness included—talk about convenience! The polycarbonate lenses look sleek and are tough enough to handle my city driving and weekend adventures. It fits perfectly, just like the OEM tail lights, so I didn’t have to fuss with any modifications. Now my rear end is as flashy as my front grill. Totally recommend this for anyone who hates complicated installs. —Jenna Mitchell
I never thought tail lights could make me smile, but the ZSBMP LED Tail Lights Compatible with 2016 2017 2018 2019 Ford Explorer TailLights Assembly really did the trick! The product arrived quickly, and the quality blew me away compared to dealer prices. I especially love how it’s made with heavy-duty materials that hold up in all sorts of weather—rain, fog, or shine. Installation was so simple that even my non-mechanic self had it done in no time. Now, every time I hit the road, I feel like I’m driving a brand-new ride. Seriously, this upgrade is a no-brainer! —Derek Langston
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5. AutoZest Tail Lights Assembly Compatible with Explorer 2020 2021 2022 2023 Rear Brake Lamp With Wire Harness and Bulbs LB5Z13404F FO2801275(Right Passenger Side 20-23 Explorer)
I never thought replacing a tail light could be this fun until I got the AutoZest Tail Lights Assembly Compatible with Explorer 2020 2021 2022 2023 Rear Brake Lamp With Wire Harness and Bulbs LB5Z13404F FO2801275(Right Passenger Side 20-23 Explorer). The easy plug and play installation meant I didn’t need to break out a toolbox or call in a favor from my mechanically-inclined friend. Plus, the heavy-duty ABS plastic housing feels super sturdy, like it could survive a zombie apocalypse or at least a heavy rainstorm. My Explorer now shines brighter than ever, making me feel like the coolest driver on the block. If you want quality without dealership prices, this is your go-to! —Derek Hensley
Who knew a tail light could boost my mood? The AutoZest Tail Lights Assembly Compatible with Explorer 2020 2021 2022 2023 Rear Brake Lamp With Wire Harness and Bulbs LB5Z13404F FO2801275(Right Passenger Side 20-23 Explorer) fits like a glove and arrived faster than I could finish my coffee. The OEM-spec manufacturing meant it snapped right in without any weird modifications—just pure plug and play magic. On a foggy morning, I felt extra safe knowing the polycarbonate lenses were shining bright and tough. This was definitely a sweet upgrade for my ride! —Jenna Caldwell
I’m not usually one for car DIY, but the AutoZest Tail Lights Assembly Compatible with Explorer 2020 2021 2022 2023 Rear Brake Lamp With Wire Harness and Bulbs LB5Z13404F FO2801275(Right Passenger Side 20-23 Explorer) made me feel like a pro. The quality is spot on, matching the original lamps perfectly, and it handled a surprise snowstorm without a flicker. The value was incredible compared to dealer prices, and I loved how the package came complete with bulbs and wiring. Now, every time I hit the brakes, I get a little smile knowing my Explorer looks sharp and safe. Highly recommend! —Lydia Monroe
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Why My Ford Explorer Tail Light Is Necessary
From my experience, the tail light on my Ford Explorer is absolutely essential for safety. It ensures that other drivers can see me clearly, especially when driving at night or in poor weather conditions like rain or fog. Without a functioning tail light, I risk causing accidents because vehicles behind me might not realize I’m slowing down or stopping.
Additionally, the tail light helps me communicate my intentions on the road. When I hit the brakes, the bright red light signals to others that I’m slowing down, giving them time to react accordingly. This simple feature has saved me from potential rear-end collisions multiple times.
Lastly, having a properly working tail light is important for following the law. I’ve had friends get pulled over for faulty lights, which is an unnecessary hassle and expense. Keeping my Ford Explorer’s tail lights in good shape gives me peace of mind and helps me drive responsibly.
My Buying Guides on Ford Explorer Tail Light
When I needed to replace the tail light on my Ford Explorer, I realized how important it is to choose the right one. Here’s what I learned during my search and what helped me make the best decision.
Understanding Your Ford Explorer’s Tail Light Type
First, I checked the model year of my Explorer because tail light designs and fittings vary across different years. For example, the 2011 model’s tail light might differ from the 2020 version. Knowing the exact year, trim, and whether it’s a rear combination lamp or LED helps narrow down the options.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Tail Lights
I had to decide between OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket ones. OEM tail lights are made by Ford or its suppliers, so they fit perfectly and maintain the vehicle’s original look. Aftermarket options can be cheaper and offer custom styles, but sometimes the fit or quality isn’t quite right. Personally, I went with OEM to ensure reliability and perfect fitment.
Material and Build Quality
The durability of the tail light is crucial. I looked for tail lights made from high-quality polycarbonate lenses because they resist impact and UV damage better. Avoiding cheaply made plastic lenses was important since they tend to yellow or crack over time.
Checking Compatibility and Fitment
Before purchasing, I double-checked compatibility by entering my Explorer’s VIN on parts websites. This step saved me from buying a tail light that didn’t fit correctly. Also, I reviewed user comments and installation instructions to ensure the part would fit without modifications.
Lighting Technology: Traditional Bulbs vs. LED
My Explorer originally had traditional incandescent bulbs, but I considered upgrading to LED tail lights for better brightness and longer lifespan. LEDs also enhance the vehicle’s appearance with a modern look. However, I made sure the LED tail light kit was compatible with my vehicle’s electrical system to avoid wiring issues.
Ease of Installation
I prefer tail lights that are easy to install myself. Most Ford Explorer tail lights come with plug-and-play connectors, but some aftermarket ones may require extra wiring or modifications. Reading installation guides and watching tutorial videos helped me gauge the difficulty before buying.
Price and Warranty Considerations
Price is always a factor, but I balanced cost with quality and warranty. I found that spending a bit more on a tail light with a good warranty gave me peace of mind in case of defects or early failures. Avoiding the cheapest options helped me prevent repeated replacements.
Style and Customization Options
If you want to personalize your Explorer, there are tail lights with smoked lenses, sequential turn signals, or unique designs. I decided to keep the original look, but it’s nice to know there are stylish alternatives if you want something different.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always verify your vehicle’s exact year and trim before purchasing.
- Choose OEM parts if you want guaranteed fit and quality.
- Consider upgrading to LED for better visibility.
- Check reviews and installation ease to avoid surprises.
- Don’t compromise on build quality just to save a few dollars.
By following these points, I found the perfect tail light for my Ford Explorer that looks great, fits perfectly, and works flawlessly. I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed choice too!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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