How to Replace the Side View Mirror on a 2012-2014 Honda CR-V (Trim: EX-L | Body: Sport Utility)
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips
How to Replace the Side View Mirror on a 2012-2014 Honda CR-V (Trim: EX-L | Body: Sport Utility)
Step-by-step instructions with tools, parts, torque specs, and safety tips for 2012, 2013, 2014
🔧 Side View Mirror - Replacement
The side view mirror assembly comes off from inside the front door trim. You’ll remove the door panel, unplug the mirror wiring, then swap the mirror and reinstall everything in reverse order.
Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Disconnect the negative battery cable before unplugging mirror wiring.
- Use care around the door panel clips; they can break if pried too hard.
- Keep the window fully up before starting.
- The mirror is awkward and can fall when the last nut is removed.
- Hold the mirror with one hand while removing fasteners.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- Ratchet
- Short extension
- Phillips screwdriver
- Trim panel removal tool
- Small flat-blade screwdriver
- Torque wrench
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Side view mirror assembly - Qty: 1
- Door panel clip(s) - Qty: 1 set
- Mirror mounting gasket or seal - Qty: 1
- Electrical tape - Qty: 1 roll
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Lower the window fully if you need more working room, then raise it back up before disconnecting the battery.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable and wait a few minutes before unplugging the mirror connector.
- Have a clean towel ready to protect the door trim and paint.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Remove the door panel trim pieces
- Use a small flat-blade screwdriver or trim panel removal tool to pop off the small cover behind the interior door pull and any trim caps on the door panel.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the visible screws.
- Set the screws aside in order.
Step 2: Remove the door panel
- Use the trim panel removal tool to release the door panel clips around the edges.
- Lift the panel upward to unhook it from the top edge of the door.
- Disconnect the electrical connectors for the window switches and any courtesy light.
- Work slowly to avoid breaking clips.
Step 3: Unplug the mirror connector
- Locate the mirror wiring connector behind the front upper corner of the door panel opening.
- Press the locking tab and unplug the connector by hand.
Step 4: Remove the old mirror
- Use a 10mm socket, ratchet, and short extension to remove the mirror retaining nuts.
- Support the mirror with one hand while removing the last nut.
- Lift the mirror straight away from the door.
- Torque for installation later: 9 N·m (80 in-lbs)
Step 5: Install the new mirror
- Position the new mirror on the door and start the nuts by hand.
- Use the 10mm socket and ratchet to snug the nuts evenly.
- Finish with a torque wrench and tighten to 9 N·m (80 in-lbs).
- Plug in the mirror connector until it clicks.
Step 6: Reinstall the door panel
- Reconnect the door panel electrical connectors.
- Hook the top edge of the panel onto the door frame.
- Use your hands to press the clips back into place around the panel.
- Reinstall all screws with the Phillips screwdriver.
- Snap the trim covers back into place.
Step 7: Reconnect power and test the mirror
- Reconnect the negative battery cable.
- Turn the key on and test mirror adjustment in all directions.
- If equipped, check the heated mirror function.
- Confirm the mirror glass is secure and the housing does not wobble.
✅ After Repair
- Check the mirror adjustment from the driver’s seat.
- Verify the door panel is fully clipped in and there are no rattles.
- Make sure the window switch and door lock buttons still work.
- If the new mirror has a heater, test it after a few minutes of operation.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $250-$500 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $80-$250 (parts only)
You Save: $170-$250 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.
🎯 Ready to get started?
HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.
Guide for Door Mirror replace for these Honda vehicles
| Year Make Model | Sub Model | Engine | Body Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Honda CR-V | EX-L | - | Sport Utility |
| 2013 Honda CR-V | EX-L | - | Sport Utility |
| 2012 Honda CR-V | EX-L | - | Sport Utility |


















