This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the outer tail light assembly on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry, accessed from the trunk area.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly (left or right as needed) × 1 — 81560-06520 (Left) or 81550-06520 (Right)
• Tail light gasket (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Open trunk and ensure adequate lighting for work area
3. Identify which tail light assembly needs replacement (left or right side)
4. Locate the trunk interior access panel or liner behind the tail light

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk interior panel
   From inside the trunk, locate the fabric or carpeted interior panel directly behind the tail light assembly. Gently pull back the trunk liner to expose the rear body panel and tail light mounting hardware. Some models may have plastic clips holding the liner in place that need to be carefully released.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the tail light electrical connector attached to the back of the tail light assembly. Press the release tab on the connector and pull straight out to disconnect. Do not pull on the wires themselves. Note the connector orientation for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove tail light mounting nuts
   Using a 10mm socket and ratchet with extension, remove the three mounting nuts securing the tail light assembly to the body panel. These nuts are accessed from inside the trunk. Keep the nuts in a safe location for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Remove tail light assembly
   From the exterior of the vehicle, carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the body. The assembly is located on three studs. Apply even pressure and wiggle gently if needed, but do not force. If stuck, check that all mounting nuts have been fully removed. Remove the tail light assembly and bring it away from the vehicle.
   ⚠Pull assembly straight back to avoid breaking mounting studs or damaging body panel clips
5. 5

   Inspect gasket and mounting area
   Inspect the rubber gasket on the back of the old tail light assembly and around the body panel opening. Check for damage, tears, or deterioration. Clean the body panel mounting surface of any dirt, debris, or old gasket material. Ensure the three mounting studs on the body are intact and not damaged.
6. 6

   Prepare new tail light assembly
   Remove the new tail light assembly from packaging. Verify it matches the original assembly. If the gasket is separate, install it onto the back of the new tail light assembly, ensuring it is properly seated in the groove. Verify all bulbs are properly installed in the new assembly if it came without bulbs.
7. 7

   Install new tail light assembly
   From the exterior, align the new tail light assembly with the three body panel studs. Carefully guide the assembly onto the studs, ensuring the gasket seats properly against the body panel. Press the assembly firmly into position until it sits flush with the body panel contour.
8. 8

   Install mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, thread the three 10mm mounting nuts onto the studs by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Using a torque wrench and 10mm socket, tighten the nuts in a star pattern to ensure even seating of the assembly.
   Torque spec

   Tail Light Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reconnect electrical connector
   Reconnect the electrical connector to the back of the tail light assembly. Ensure the connector clicks firmly into place and the release tab engages properly. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
10. 10

    Restore trunk liner
    Reposition the trunk interior liner or panel back into its original position. Ensure any clips are properly seated and the liner sits flush without binding against the tail light assembly or wiring.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all three mounting nuts are torqued to specification to prevent water intrusion and assembly vibration
2. Verify the tail light assembly sits flush with body panel with even gaps all around
3. Confirm electrical connector is fully engaged with release tab locked

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (engine does not need to run)
• Test all tail light functions: running lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights
• Have an assistant observe all light functions from outside the vehicle
• Inspect the exterior for proper alignment and flush fitment with body panel
• Check that no warning lights appear on the instrument cluster
• Verify no light leaks around the gasket when lights are illuminated
• Close trunk and verify interior liner does not interfere with tail light operation

More procedures for this vehicle