You can replace a side view mirror yourself in 15 to 30 minutes, or have a shop do it for $150 to $400 depending on the mirror type and your vehicle
A side view mirror replacement breaks into two decisions: whether to do it yourself or pay a technician, and whether to buy an original part from the manufacturer or an aftermarket mirror. DIY replacement works if you have basic hand tools and the mirror assembly is accessible from inside your door panel. A shop replacement costs more but handles any complications — electrical connections, adhesive backing, or trim pieces that need careful removal.
The cost difference matters. An original manufacturer mirror runs $200 to $600 before labor. An aftermarket mirror costs $50 to $150. A technician's labor typically adds $100 to $200 on top of the part cost. If you do it yourself, you pay only for the mirror itself, but you need to know whether your vehicle has a manual mirror (no wiring) or a power mirror (requires electrical connection).
Key Takeaways
- Manual mirrors unscrew from inside the door and take 15 minutes; power mirrors require disconnecting an electrical connector before removal.
- Original manufacturer mirrors fit and function exactly as the factory part; aftermarket mirrors are cheaper but may have looser tolerances or different glass quality.
- You need only a screwdriver and possibly a trim removal tool if you do the work yourself; a shop handles any stuck fasteners or adhesive backing.
- Power mirror motors can fail independently of the glass, so confirm whether you need the entire assembly or just the glass replacement.
Manual versus power mirrors and what that means for replacement
A manual mirror has no wiring — you adjust it by hand from outside the vehicle. Replacement is straightforward: remove the fasteners (usually three bolts or screws) from inside the door panel, disconnect any trim clips, and slide the old mirror out. The new mirror slides back in and bolts down. No electrical work, no special tools beyond a screwdriver.
A power mirror has a motor and wiring that let you adjust it from a switch inside the cabin. Replacement requires one extra step: disconnect the electrical connector before you remove the mirror. The connector is usually a single plug behind the mirror assembly inside the door. Once unplugged, the removal process is the same as a manual mirror. When you install the new mirror, you plug the connector back in and test the adjustment switch before closing the door panel.
Some vehicles have heated mirrors (a grid of wires that warm the glass in winter). These also use a single electrical connector, so the replacement process is identical to a standard power mirror. The heat function tests the same way — turn on the ignition, set up the heated mirror switch, and feel the glass warm up after 30 seconds.
Original manufacturer parts versus aftermarket mirrors
An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) mirror is made by or for the vehicle's maker. It matches the factory part exactly in fit, glass curvature, and electrical specifications. OEM mirrors cost more — typically $250 to $600 depending on the vehicle — but they integrate seamlessly with your car's design and electronics. If your mirror has a turn signal integrated into the housing, or if the glass has a specific tint or curve, OEM is the safer choice.
Aftermarket mirrors are made by third-party manufacturers like Dorman, TYC, or Spyder. They cost $50 to $150 and work on most vehicles, but the fit can be slightly loose, the glass may have a different curve (affecting your sight line), and the finish might not match your paint exactly. Aftermarket mirrors are fine for a temporary fix or a vehicle you plan to sell soon. For a long-term daily driver, the small cost difference often justifies the OEM choice.
Check your vehicle's manual or a parts website (like RockAuto or your dealer's site) to confirm which mirrors fit your specific year, make, and model. A mirror for a 2018 Honda Civic does not fit a 2020 Civic, even though they look similar. Ordering the wrong part wastes time and money.
Tools and materials you need for a DIY replacement
For a manual mirror, you need a screwdriver (usually Phillips head) and possibly a trim removal tool. The trim tool is a plastic pry bar that costs $5 to $10 and prevents you from cracking the door panel when you peel back trim pieces. A flathead screwdriver works in a pinch, but the plastic tool is safer.
For a power mirror, add a socket set or wrench if the fasteners are bolts rather than screws. Most modern vehicles use screws, but some trucks and older cars use bolts. Have a flashlight or headlamp ready — the space inside the door panel is dark, and you need to see the electrical connector clearly before you unplug it.
Wear gloves if you have them. The inside of a door panel has sharp edges, and you may cut your hands reaching around the mirror assembly. If the old mirror is broken, tape the glass edges with painter's tape to prevent cuts while you work.
Step-by-step removal and installation
For a manual mirror: Open the door fully and look at the inside of the door panel near the mirror. You will see three fasteners (screws or bolts) holding the mirror assembly. Remove them with your screwdriver or wrench. Gently pull the mirror away from the door — it may have a rubber gasket or adhesive backing, so pull slowly. Disconnect any trim clips (small plastic tabs that hold the mirror frame to the door). Slide the new mirror into place, align the fastener holes, and screw or bolt it down. Test the mirror position before closing the door.
For a power mirror: Follow the same removal steps, but before you remove the fasteners, reach behind the mirror assembly inside the door and locate the electrical connector. It is a plastic plug with two to four wires. Gently pull the connector straight out — do not twist it. Once unplugged, remove the fasteners and pull the mirror away. Install the new mirror, align the fastener holes, and screw or bolt it down. Plug the electrical connector back in — it only fits one way, so if it does not slide in smoothly, flip it and try again. Test the adjustment switch and heated mirror (if equipped) before closing the door panel.
If the fasteners are stuck or corroded, spray them with penetrating oil (like WD-40) and wait 10 to 15 minutes before trying again. Do not force a stuck bolt — you can strip the threads or break the fastener, which makes removal much harder. If you get stuck, stop and take the vehicle to a shop rather than risk damaging the door panel.
When to take it to a shop instead
Take your vehicle to a shop if the fasteners are seized and will not budge after soaking with penetrating oil, if the mirror assembly is glued to the door (common on some luxury vehicles), or if you are not comfortable working inside the door panel. A technician has the right tools to remove stuck fasteners without stripping them, and they can handle adhesive backing without damaging the paint.
Also go to a shop if you need to replace just the glass, not the entire mirror assembly. Some mirrors have glass that pops out or unscrews separately from the housing. A technician can often replace the glass alone for $75 to $150, which is cheaper than replacing the whole assembly. Check your vehicle's manual or call a shop to ask whether glass-only replacement is possible for your model.
Expect to pay $150 to $400 total at a shop, depending on the mirror type and your location. Dealerships charge more (often $250 to $400) than independent shops ($150 to $250). Call ahead and ask for a quote before you drop off the vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a broken side mirror?
Most states require both side mirrors to be intact and functional. Driving with a missing or severely damaged mirror can result in a traffic citation. If your mirror is cracked but still reflects, you can usually drive temporarily, but replace it within a few days to stay legal and safe.
What if my power mirror stopped working but the glass is fine?
The motor inside the assembly has likely failed. You can replace just the motor if it is sold separately for your vehicle, but most shops recommend replacing the entire assembly because the motor is labor-intensive to access. Check a parts website or call a shop to see if a motor-only replacement is available for your model.
Do I need to remove the door panel to replace a mirror?
No. You only need to access the fasteners and electrical connector from inside the door, which you can do by reaching through the open door. Removing the entire door panel is unnecessary and takes much longer. Reach in, locate the fasteners, and work from there.
Will an aftermarket mirror work with my car's turn signal?
If your mirror has an integrated turn signal, confirm that the aftermarket mirror includes the same feature before you order. Some aftermarket mirrors omit the signal light to reduce cost. Check the product description or call the seller to verify. If the signal is missing, you will need to wire it separately or buy an OEM mirror instead.
How long does a mirror replacement take at a shop?
Most shops complete a mirror replacement in one to two hours, though you may need to leave the vehicle for a full day depending on their schedule. Call ahead to ask how long they need and whether you can wait. Some shops offer same-day service for mirror work if you arrive early in the morning.