You can replace just the glass if the mirror housing is still intact
If your side mirror glass is cracked, shattered, or missing but the mirror housing itself is undamaged, you do not have to replace the entire mirror assembly. The glass panel comes out separately and costs far less than a full mirror replacement. Depending on your vehicle, you can either pop the glass out yourself in a few minutes or take it to a glass shop, and the job typically costs between $100 and $300 for the part and labor combined.
The process differs based on whether your mirror is manual or power-operated, and whether it has a heating element. Before you start, check your owner's manual or search your vehicle's year, make, and model online to see which type you have — this determines whether you can do the work yourself or need professional help.
Key Takeaways
- Side mirror glass is a separate part from the mirror housing and can be replaced without replacing the entire assembly.
- Manual mirrors with no heating element are easiest to replace yourself; you typically pry the glass out and snap a new one in.
- Power mirrors and heated mirrors require disconnecting electrical connectors, which is more complex and often better left to a technician.
- Replacement glass costs $50 to $150 per side depending on the vehicle; labor at a glass shop adds another $50 to $150.
- You can source replacement glass from a dealership, auto glass shop, or online retailer, though fitment varies by source.
Manual mirrors: how to remove and replace the glass yourself
If your mirror is manual (you adjust it by hand using a lever or dial inside the car), the glass is usually held in by a straightforward clip or friction fit. Start by looking at the back of the mirror housing from inside the car — you will see either a small tab or a notch. Gently pry the glass away from the housing using a plastic pry tool or old credit card; do not use a metal screwdriver, which can crack the new glass when you install it.
Once the old glass is out, clean any adhesive or debris from the housing with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely. Line up the new glass with the housing — the clips or notches should align — and press it firmly into place until you hear or feel it click. Test the fit by gently trying to wiggle the glass; it should not move. If it does, remove it and reseat it.
Power mirrors and heated mirrors: when to take it to a shop
Power mirrors have an electric motor that tilts and adjusts the glass, and heated mirrors have a wire grid embedded in the glass itself. Both types have electrical connectors on the back of the housing that must be disconnected before you remove the glass. If you disconnect these incorrectly, you can damage the wiring or the motor.
For these mirrors, a professional auto glass shop or dealership is the safer choice. The technician will disconnect the power, remove the glass, install the new one, and reconnect the electrical connectors. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. If you want to attempt it yourself, consult your vehicle's service manual for the exact connector locations and disconnection steps — these vary widely by manufacturer.
Where to buy replacement mirror glass
You have three main sources: a dealership, an independent auto glass shop, or an online retailer. Dealership glass is may provide to fit your exact vehicle but costs the most — typically $80 to $200 per side before installation. Auto glass shops often stock common sizes and can order less common ones; they usually charge $50 to $150 for the glass and can install it the same day.
Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and RockAuto sell aftermarket mirror glass for $30 to $100, but fitment is less certain. Before ordering online, confirm the part number matches your vehicle's year, make, model, and whether the mirror is on the driver or passenger side — these details matter. Some online orders come with installation instructions; others do not.
What to expect if you go to a glass shop
Call ahead and describe your vehicle and which mirror is damaged. Many shops can tell you over the phone whether they have the glass in stock or need to order it. If they have it, you can often drop the car off and pick it up the same day. If they need to order it, expect to wait one to three business days.
Bring your keys and proof of insurance. The shop will remove the damaged glass, inspect the housing for cracks or damage, install the new glass, and test it to make sure it sits flush and does not rattle. Total time is usually 30 minutes to an hour. Cost ranges from $150 to $300 depending on your vehicle and whether the mirror is heated or power-operated.
Removing the entire mirror assembly if the housing is damaged
If the mirror housing itself is cracked, bent, or broken, replacing just the glass will not help. You will need to replace the entire mirror assembly. This requires removing bolts from inside the door panel (usually three bolts) and disconnecting any electrical connectors if the mirror is power-operated or heated.
This job is more involved than glass replacement alone and typically requires removing the door panel trim. If you are not comfortable doing this, a dealership or auto body shop can handle it in one to two hours. A full mirror assembly costs $150 to $400 depending on the vehicle, plus labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with a broken side mirror?
Laws vary by state and country. Most places require both side mirrors to be intact and functional. Driving with a missing or severely damaged mirror can result in a traffic citation. Even where it is legal, a broken mirror reduces your visibility and increases accident risk, so it is worth repairing promptly.
Will the new glass fit if I buy it online?
It depends on the seller and how carefully you match the part number. Aftermarket glass from reputable sellers usually fits, but some online listings are vague about fitment. Before ordering, confirm the part number, your vehicle's year and model, and whether it is for the driver or passenger side. Read customer reviews to see if others report fitment issues.
What if the glass is stuck and will not come out?
If the clip or friction fit is very tight, try warming the housing slightly with a heat gun on low setting — this softens any adhesive and makes the glass more pliable. Use steady, even pressure with your pry tool rather than sudden force. If it still will not budge, stop and take it to a glass shop; forcing it can crack the new glass when you install it.
Do I need to remove the mirror from the car to replace the glass?
No. For manual mirrors and most power mirrors, you can replace the glass while the mirror stays mounted to the door. You only need to remove the entire mirror assembly if the housing is damaged or if your vehicle's design requires it — check your manual to be sure.
How long does replacement glass last?
Replacement glass is the same material as the original and lasts as long as the original did — typically the life of the vehicle. The durability depends on the quality of the glass and how it is treated, not on whether it is OEM or aftermarket.