Side mirror replacement typically runs between $150 and $1,500 per mirror, depending on whether you replace just the glass, the mirror housing, or the entire assembly—and whether your car has power adjustment, heating, or integrated turn signals.

The price splits into three distinct jobs. A glass-only replacement (the reflective surface) costs $100 to $300 and takes 20 minutes if you do it yourself. A mirror housing replacement (the plastic or metal shell holding the glass) runs $200 to $600 and requires removing trim panels. A full assembly replacement (glass, housing, motor, wiring, and all) costs $400 to $1,500 and involves electrical connections.

Your actual cost depends on four things: what broke, what your car is, whether you buy OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket parts, and whether you install it yourself or pay a shop. A Honda Civic side mirror glass costs less than a BMW X5 mirror assembly. A 2010 model has cheaper parts than a 2024 model. And a shop will charge labor on top of parts.

Key Takeaways

  • Glass-only replacements cost $100 to $300 and are the cheapest option if the housing and motor are intact.
  • Full mirror assemblies (glass, housing, motor, wiring) cost $400 to $1,500 depending on your vehicle and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket parts.
  • Labor at a dealership or body shop typically adds $100 to $300 per hour, and the job takes one to three hours depending on complexity.
  • Aftermarket mirrors cost 30 to 50 percent less than OEM parts but may not fit as precisely or include all original features like heating or turn signals.
  • You can often replace glass or housing yourself with basic tools, but electrical connections on power mirrors require care to avoid wiring damage.

What determines the price of your replacement

The first question is what actually broke. If only the reflective glass cracked or peeled, you are buying a replacement glass insert—usually $100 to $250 depending on whether it is heated, tinted, or has a built-in turn signal. The housing and motor stay in place. If the plastic or metal housing cracked, you need a new housing assembly with the glass already installed, which runs $200 to $600. If the mirror motor failed, the power adjustment stopped working, or the wiring is damaged, you need the full assembly: $400 to $1,500.

Your vehicle's make, model, and year matter enormously. A replacement mirror for a 2015 Toyota Camry costs far less than one for a 2024 Mercedes-Benz. Luxury brands, newer vehicles, and cars with advanced features (heated mirrors, integrated turn signals, blind-spot cameras) all cost more. A basic mirror for a Honda Civic might be $250 OEM; the same job on a Porsche 911 might be $800.

OEM versus aftermarket is the next split. OEM parts come directly from the manufacturer and fit precisely, include all original features, and carry a warranty—but cost 30 to 50 percent more. Aftermarket parts (made by third-party suppliers like Dorman, Tyc, or Depo) fit adequately, may lack some features, and cost less. For a full assembly, OEM might be $900 while aftermarket is $500. For glass only, the difference is smaller: $200 OEM versus $120 aftermarket.

Labor costs if you use a shop

A dealership charges $100 to $200 per hour for labor, plus parts. A body shop or independent mechanic typically charges $75 to $150 per hour. A glass-only replacement takes 20 to 45 minutes, so labor runs $25 to $150. A housing replacement takes 45 minutes to two hours, so labor is $60 to $300. A full assembly with electrical connections takes one to three hours, so labor is $75 to $450.

Total cost at a shop: glass only ($125 to $450), housing ($260 to $900), full assembly ($475 to $1,950). These are real ranges because labor time varies by vehicle design. Some mirrors are bolted on from inside the door and take 20 minutes; others require removing door panels, trim, and wiring harnesses and take three hours.

Many insurance policies cover mirror damage under comprehensive or collision coverage, though you will pay your deductible (usually $250 to $1,000). If the damage is from a hit-and-run or vandalism, comprehensive may explore instead of collision, which sometimes has a lower deductible. Check your policy before paying out of pocket.

DIY replacement: what you can do yourself

Glass-only replacement is the easiest DIY job. You pry the old glass out of the housing (usually held by clips or adhesive), clean the frame, and press the new glass in. Tools needed: a plastic pry tool, rubbing alcohol, and the replacement glass ($100 to $250). Time: 20 to 30 minutes per mirror. Risk: low, because you are not touching electrical connections or the structural housing.

Housing replacement is moderate difficulty. You remove bolts or clips holding the mirror to the door (usually three to five bolts visible from inside the door), disconnect any wiring for power adjustment or heating, and bolt the new housing in place. Tools: socket set, screwdrivers, possibly a trim removal tool. Time: 45 minutes to two hours. Risk: moderate—you need to be careful not to strip bolt holes or damage wiring connectors.

Full assembly replacement on a power mirror requires electrical work. After removing the old mirror, you disconnect the wiring harness (usually a single plug), connect the new harness to the new mirror, and bolt it in. If the wiring is corroded, damaged, or the connector does not match, you may need to splice wires or have a mechanic finish the job. Time: one to three hours depending on wiring condition. Risk: moderate to high if you are unfamiliar with automotive electrical connections.

Where to buy replacement mirrors

OEM parts come from the dealership. Call the parts department with your vehicle identification number (VIN), and they will quote you the exact part. Dealerships stock common parts and can order others in one to three days. You pay full OEM price but get a warranty and the certainty that the part is correct.

Aftermarket parts are sold by auto parts retailers (AutoZone, O'Reilly, NAPA, Advance Auto Parts), online marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, RockAuto), and independent shops. Prices are lower, selection is wider, and shipping is often free. The tradeoff: you need to verify the part number matches your vehicle, and return policies vary. RockAuto and Amazon typically allow returns; some eBay sellers do not.

Used mirrors from salvage yards or online used-parts marketplaces (LKQ, Copart, eBay) cost 40 to 60 percent less than new parts but carry unknown history. A used mirror may have cosmetic damage, electrical issues, or a short remaining lifespan. Buy used only if you are replacing a mirror on a vehicle you plan to sell or keep short-term, or if you are willing to test it before installation.

Common mistakes that raise the cost

Waiting too long to replace a broken mirror can damage the door. If the mirror housing is cracked and exposed to rain, water enters the door cavity and corrodes the wiring, window regulator, and door lock mechanism. A $300 mirror replacement becomes a $1,500 door repair. Replace a broken mirror within a week.

Buying the wrong part number is expensive. A 2015 Honda Civic has different mirror assemblies depending on trim level (LX, EX, Si) and whether it has power adjustment. Ordering the wrong one means returning it and buying again. Always verify the part number against your VIN before purchasing, either through the dealership or by cross-referencing on RockAuto or the retailer's website.

Forcing a stuck mirror during removal can break the door frame or strip bolt holes. If bolts are corroded or stuck, explore penetrating oil (WD-40, PB Blaster) and wait 15 minutes before trying again. If a bolt strips, you may need to drill it out and use a larger bolt, which requires a mechanic and adds $50 to $150 in labor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with a broken side mirror?

Yes, but it is illegal in most states if the mirror is completely missing or non-functional. A cracked glass is usually legal as long as you can see out of it. Check your state's vehicle code, but the safest approach is to replace it within a few days to avoid a ticket and to restore visibility.

Is it cheaper to replace just the glass or the whole mirror?

Glass only is cheaper if the housing and motor are undamaged. Glass costs $100 to $250; a full assembly costs $400 to $1,500. If the housing is cracked or the motor is broken, you must replace the assembly because the glass cannot be separated from a damaged housing.

How long does a mirror replacement take at a shop?

Glass only takes 20 to 45 minutes. Housing replacement takes 45 minutes to two hours. Full assembly with electrical connections takes one to three hours. Total time at the shop (including check-in and paperwork) is usually one to four hours.

Will my insurance cover a broken side mirror?

Comprehensive coverage usually covers mirrors damaged by weather, vandalism, or hit-and-run. Collision covers mirrors damaged in an accident you caused. You pay your deductible (typically $250 to $1,000). If the deductible is high, paying out of pocket for a glass-only replacement may be cheaper.

What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket mirrors?

OEM mirrors are made by the vehicle manufacturer and fit perfectly with all original features. Aftermarket mirrors are made by third-party suppliers, fit adequately, may lack features like heating or turn signals, and cost 30 to 50 percent less. Both are safe and legal; the choice depends on budget and whether you need all original features.