Buy Ford Explorer Side View Mirrors

Summary

This guide dives deep into every practical detail about the Ford Explorer side mirror-also called the door mirror, wing mirror, side-view mirror or external rear-view mirror.

Key Features

Modern Explorer mirrors can be power-adjusted, heated, power-folding, hold memory positions, show turn-signal LEDs, cast a puddle lamp, and (on higher trims) carry radar for Blind-Spot Information System (BLIS). Ford explains how BLIS lights up an amber icon on the mirror when another car sits in the blind zone. See Ford's BLIS overview .
Every Explorer with power mirrors also gets the heated-glass function; switching on rear defrost warms the mirror automatically (Ford Motor Company).
For quick lane checks, many models include a built-in convex "blind-spot" corner on the glass (Ford Service Content).
The 2025 Explorer adds standard power-folding mirrors on several trims, helpful in tight parking spots (Car and Driver).

Compatibility

• 2011-2019 (5th gen) - mirrors bolt on with three 10 mm nuts and a single 8-pin or 10-pin harness (options: heat, turn signal, puddle lamp) (YouTube).
• 2020-2025 (6th gen) - new shape, optional side-view camera and radar; premium versions use a 16-pin plug plus an extra coax lead for the 360-camera (Ford OEM Parts Online).
• Police Interceptor Utility shares the housing but may delete the puddle lamp; wiring still fits civilian models (Ford Service Content).

Common Problems

• Over-extension after unlock - power-fold unit keeps spinning; resetting the motor by cycling the fold button several times usually cures it (Explorers Trust).
• Mirror glass vibration or loss - clips fatigue; snap-in replacement glass is inexpensive and quick to install (pullapart.com).
• Cracked heated glass in severe cold - reported on 2020+ models; heat grid stress can crack the surface (Facebook).

DIY Replacement Steps

1. Pop off the interior sail panel trim.
2. Unplug the mirror harness.
3. Remove three 10 mm nuts and lift the unit away (pullapart.com).
4. Fit the new mirror, tighten nuts to 9 Nm, reconnect wiring, and test functions (YouTube).
   Tip: cover the door edge with masking tape first to avoid paint chips.

Safety & Regulations

U.S. rules say all passenger vehicles must carry an outside driver-side mirror that shows the road to the horizon (FMVSS 111) Full text .
If your inside rear-view mirror is blocked (e.g., by cargo), the SUV must also have a compliant passenger-side mirror (GovInfo).
Damaged mirrors that limit view can attract tickets in many states and fail annual inspections.

Upgrades & Options

• LED puddle lights boost night visibility; plug-and-play LED boards are popular (Morimoto).
• Smoke-lens turn-signal inserts personalize style while keeping DOT legality (parts.ford.com).
• After-market convex add-on glass widens the rear field at low cost (Ford Service Content).
  Note: Adding cameras requires extra wiring and software coding; see Ford's service bulletin before attempting (JustAnswer).

Maintenance Tips

• Keep the hinge clean; a drop of silicone spray prevents squeaks and freeze-ups.
• Use only plastic-safe glass cleaner; ammonia can harm heating elements (Explorer Forum).
• In winter, let the heat grid melt ice-never pry frozen glass.

Cost Overview

Online Ford parts catalogs list bare replacement glass from about $45 and fully loaded assemblies (heat + BLIS + camera + power fold) up to $800 before paint (Ford OEM Parts Online).
Independent shops quote $150 - $350 labor depending on paint matching, but a careful DIYer can finish the swap in under an hour and save that fee (Reddit).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do all Explorers have heated mirrors?
A: Any Explorer with power mirrors-from base to Platinum-has a heating element that activates with rear defrost (Ford Motor Company).

Q: How do I reset a power-fold mirror that keeps spinning?
A: Push the fold button repeatedly until both mirrors sit flush, then press once more to unfold; this re-indexes the motor stops (Explorers Trust).

Q: Can I swap a 2023 mirror onto my 2016?
A: No. The 2020-up sixth-gen mirror has a different mount angle and wider harness; adapters are not available (Ford OEM Parts Online).

Q: What is BLIS and where is it located?
A: BLIS is Ford's Blind-Spot Information System. Two radar modules sit behind the rear wheels and light an icon on the wing mirror when another car enters the blind zone (Ford Motor Company).

Q: Is a cracked mirror glass illegal?
A: If cracks distort the view, many state inspectors will fail the vehicle because FMVSS 111 requires a clear, unit-magnification mirror surface (eCFR).

Q: Why does my mirror vibrate on the highway?
A: The plastic backing plate can loosen after door slams. Snap-in replacement glass kits fix the issue in minutes (pullapart.com).

Q: How do I know if I have power-fold mirrors?
A: Look for a small fold icon on the mirror joystick. Holding it for one second folds both mirrors (Car and Driver).

Q: Can I add turn-signal lights to a base mirror?
A: Yes, but you must run signal wiring to the mirror and swap in a lens with LEDs; factory harnesses lack that pin (Explorer Forum).

Q: What torque spec do the mirror nuts need?
A: Tighten the three 10 mm nuts to 9 Nm (80 lb-in) to avoid door-skin distortion (pullapart.com).

Q: Do mirrors need recalibration after replacement?
A: Only mirrors with BLIS or cameras need a quick lane-change calibration drive; no scan tool is required (Ford Motor Company).