Do dealerships fix side mirrors?
Dealership service centers can typically fix or replace side mirrors, especially when the issue is due to a defect, recall, or is covered by warranty or a service plan. For non-warranty cosmetic damage, they can usually perform the repair as well, though costs and turnaround times may be higher than at an independent shop.
Side mirrors are a common repair topic for new and certified pre-owned vehicles, and the approach varies by the type of problem, the age of the car, and the coverage you have. This article explains when dealerships can help, what isn’t typically covered, what you might pay, and how to proceed to get the right part and service.
When a dealership can help
Dealerships are often the first stop for mirror repairs on vehicles they sold or service, particularly when the issue involves a defect, a safety system, or a warranty. The following scenarios are commonly handled by the dealer’s service department or a closely affiliated body shop.
- Mirror glass replacement if the glass is cracked, chipped, or broken, including heated or auto-dimming models.
- Mirror housing or door panel replacement if the mirror assembly is damaged in an accident or by impact.
- Mirror motor/actuator replacement if the mirror won’t adjust or retract properly.
- Electrical wiring or sensor repairs for features such as heated mirrors, auto-dimming, or camera-based systems (e.g., blind-spot monitoring and rearview cameras).
- Recall or safety-related fixes that involve the mirror assembly, which are performed at no charge while the recall is active.
- Use of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts to ensure proper fit, safety, and compatibility with other systems.
Dealerships can perform these repairs in-house or coordinate with an approved body shop within their network. If a repair involves safety features or calibration, the dealer will typically handle the calibration to ensure all systems operate correctly.
What isn’t typically covered
Some mirror-related issues fall outside typical warranty coverage or dealer responsibility. The following scenarios are commonly not covered or require separate arrangements.
- Cosmetic damage not caused by a defect, such as normal wear and tear, or damage from routine incidents that are not warranty-related.
- Damage from an accident or vandalism that is paid for through insurance rather than warranty, which may involve an independent body shop or your insurer’s preferred shop rather than the dealer.
- Damage caused by third-party parts or non-OEM replacements that affect fit or function, which could complicate warranty coverage.
- Incorrect calibration or failure to recalibrate after non-OEM replacements, which may require additional service to restore sensor or camera-based features.
In these cases, you may be asked to cover the cost out of pocket or handle the repair through your auto insurance or another service provider outside the dealership network.
Costs and timelines
Costs for mirror repair or replacement vary widely by model, part type, and whether OEM parts or aftermarket components are used. Labor rates and regional pricing also play a big role. The following ranges are typical in the U.S. market and can help you plan, but always get a formal estimate from the dealership.
- Mirror glass replacement (standard or heated/auto-dimming): roughly $150–$600, depending on features and part quality.
- Mirror housing replacement: roughly $150–$800, plus potential painting if the door needs color matching.
- Mirror motor/actuator replacement: roughly $150–$500, plus labor.
- Sensor calibration or camera system re-calibration: roughly $100–$350, depending on the system.
- Labor and diagnostic fees: typically charged by the hour; expect $90–$150+ per hour in many markets, with total labor times ranging from 1 to several hours depending on complexity.
- Paint and finish costs: can add $200–$800 if the door or housing requires painting to match the rest of the vehicle.
Prices can be higher for luxury or newer models with complex mirror assemblies or integrated cameras. The dealer can provide an itemized, written estimate and clarify what is covered under warranty or recall, as well as whether any discounts or promotions apply.
How to proceed
Following a clear process helps ensure you get the right solution at a fair price, with proper parts and calibrations. Here are practical steps to take.
Check warranty status and recalls
Before committing to a repair, verify whether the issue is covered by the factory warranty, an extended service plan, or a recall. You can check your warranty status with the dealer, review your vehicle’s paperwork, or look up recalls on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website using your VIN.
Ask about OEM parts and calibration
Ask whether the dealer will use OEM parts and whether calibration is required for any camera or sensor-based features. If you value original parts for safety and resale, specify OEM parts and insist on calibration after replacement.
Get an estimate and compare
Request a detailed, written estimate that itemizes parts, labor, and any diagnostic fees. If possible, obtain quotes from an independent shop as well to compare prices and timelines. Consider any insurance implications if the repair involves an insurance claim.
Summary
Dealerships are typically equipped to fix or replace side mirrors, especially when the problem relates to a defect, recall, or safety-related feature, and they can perform work using OEM parts with proper calibration. For cosmetic damage or incidents outside warranty or recall coverage, costs and arrangements may vary, and you might choose to work with a third-party body shop or your insurer. Always obtain an itemized estimate, confirm warranty applicability, and ensure proper calibration of any sensor-based systems after replacement.
Bottom line
In most cases, your car dealership can fix side mirrors—whether through repair, replacement, or calibration—particularly when the issue is under warranty or tied to a recall. If the problem is cosmetic or not covered, exploring quotes from multiple sources, including independent shops, can help you balance cost, timing, and quality.
Summary: If your side mirror is malfunctioning or damaged, start with the dealership to determine warranty or recall coverage, then weigh OEM versus aftermarket parts, potential calibration needs, and cost timelines. Planning ahead with an itemized estimate helps you make the best choice for your vehicle and budget.
Are side mirrors covered by insurance?
Does car insurance cover broken side-view mirrors? Yes, car insurance covers broken side-view mirrors, although it may not make sense to file a claim if your deductible is higher than the cost of repairs.
Can a dealership fix a broken side mirror?
ANY shop can replace your mirror, it is among the simplest auto repairs.
How much does it cost to repair a side mirror?
The cost to repair a side mirror ranges from $50 to over $1,000, depending on your vehicle's make, model, and the mirror's features. Simple manual mirrors can be replaced for less, while modern mirrors with features like heating, blind-spot monitoring, and cameras are much more expensive, with a basic replacement part costing hundreds of dollars before labor.
Factors affecting the cost
- Mirror features: Basic manual mirrors are the cheapest, while power-adjustable, heated, auto-dimming, or blind-spot monitoring mirrors are significantly more expensive due to added technology.
- Parts vs. labor: A simple mirror glass replacement is cheaper than replacing the entire assembly. You can save on labor costs by doing some repairs yourself, like replacing the glass.
- Vehicle model and age: Luxury cars and newer models with advanced technology have higher part costs, which can go up to $1,000 or more for the assembly alone.
- Where you go for repair: Dealerships often have higher labor rates and part costs than independent mechanics or body shops.
- Parts source: OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts are more expensive than aftermarket or used parts.
Cost breakdown
- Manual mirrors: Costs between $40 and $60 for the part.
- Power mirrors: Costs between $35 and $350 for the part.
- Heated or folding mirrors: Costs between $50 and $700 for the part.
- Mirrors with blind-spot monitoring or cameras: Can range from $150 to $1,000 for the part.
- Labor: Can add another $50 to $200 or more to the total cost.
- Total: The average replacement cost is typically between $100 and $500, but can exceed $1,000 for high-tech mirrors on newer vehicles.
How much does a side mirror cost to replace?
The average cost of wing mirror replacement is around £130 to £315 for a complete replacement of the whole wing mirror unit. That includes the removal of the damaged wing mirror and fitting of the replacement unit.
