A busted tail light is a real problem. It cuts your visibility on the road, especially after dark or when the weather turns. Fixing it isn’t just about appearances either. It keeps you out of trouble and your car out of the repair shop.
Between sun damage, water leaks, and all the road junk your car faces, tail lights take a beating. Even a small crack or a cloudy lens can turn into a bigger issue. Luckily, getting a new one doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
Aftermarket tail lights hold up just as well as factory originals, but for way less cash. You get solid quality without the dealership markup.
The 6 Best Tail Light Assembly Brands
Not sure where to begin? These six brands have earned their reputations for good build quality, fair pricing, and lots of happy drivers:
JC Whitney
JC Whitney has been around since 1915. That’s more than a century of experience in auto parts. They’ve got a huge selection and good prices for just about every kind of driver. And yes, some of their tail lights are CAPA-certified if that’s your thing.
What You Get
- Prices: $70 – $200
- Sold individually or in pairs
- Halogen lights, with or without bulbs
- OE-style red lenses; CAPA options available
- DIY-friendly fit
- Free shipping with CarParts+
Our Score: 10/10
Replacement
This brand is known for OEM-style quality without the dealership markup. If you want something that fits, works, and doesn’t wreck your budget, Replacement is an easy pick.
What You Get
- Prices: $40 – $170
- More than 150 options available
- Halogen lights with or without bulbs
- Red or clear lenses
- Strong customer ratings (4.5/5)
- Big discounts, often 60%+
Our Score: 9.5/10
ULO
ULO isn’t a household name unless you drive a BMW or Mercedes, but they probably made your original tail lights. They build parts for European luxury brands and do it with factory-level precision.
What You Get
- Prices: $90 – $430
- Exact OEM match
- Built for long-term use
- Ideal fit for German luxury cars
- Some models discounted up to 78%
Our Score: 9/10
Anzo
Anzo tail lights don’t just replace your old ones—they upgrade them. These are the ones you go for when you want something bold: smoked lenses, LEDs, Euro-style designs. They still meet road regulations, but they definitely stand out.
What You Get
- Prices: $65 – $280
- LED and halogen options
- Unique styling: smoked, clear, Euro
- Plug-and-play setups
- Tons of good reviews (199+ with 4.5 stars)
- Discounts up to 64%
Our Score: 8.5/10
ReplaceXL
ReplaceXL is built for the “just need it fixed” crowd. No fuss, no flash. These are straightforward tail light assemblies that get the job done.
What You Get
- Prices: $30 – $380
- Sold as singles or sets
- Halogen, OE-style
- Quick and easy install
- Many under $100
Our Score: 8/10
Genuine Porsche
If you drive a Porsche, you probably want the real deal. These tail lights are made by Porsche, for Porsche. They fit exactly the way they should and keep your car looking like it just left the showroom.
What You Get
- Prices: $400 – $480
- OEM-manufactured
- Factory fit and finish
- Great for maintenance or restoration
- Backed by a Porsche warranty
Our Score: 10/10
Our Recommendation
If we had to pick one, we’d go with JC Whitney. Their range of prices, CAPA-certified options, and easy installs make them a great choice for everyday drivers. Plus, shipping is free with CarParts+, which makes things even easier.
What To Consider Before Buying a New Tail Light Assembly
Fit
Parts aren’t one-size-fits-all. Double-check your vehicle’s year, make, and model so you don’t end up returning the wrong assembly.
Build
DOT/SAE approval and CAPA certification are good signs the part meets safety standards. You’ll want something that doesn’t fade, crack, or leak after a few months.
Budget
You can spend $40 to $400 on a tail light, depending on your vehicle and what brand you choose. Even lower-priced aftermarket options can last for years.
Warranty
Look for at least a one-year warranty. It’s a nice backup if anything goes wrong.
Installation
If you’re doing the job yourself, stick with plug-and-play setups. Some taillight assemblies come with bulbs already installed, which is one less thing to worry about.
Style
Some folks want OEM-style lights that blend in. Others want LEDs and tinted lenses. Whatever your taste, there’s a brand on this list that fits.
You’ve got options. Pick the one that suits your ride and your wallet, and you’ll be back on the road with a fresh set of tail lights in no time.
Ready to upgrade? Grab your replacement tail lights today at CarParts.com and enjoy great deals, fast shipping, and hassle-free shopping.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
