Buy Honda Accord Side View Mirrors

Before we dive in, here's the short version: the Honda Accord's side-, door-, or wing-mirror is a safety-critical part that gives drivers a view down the flanks of the car, cuts blind-zones, and now often packs heaters, turn-signals, cameras, and blind-spot lights. U.S. law says the driver's mirror must be flat and at least 323 cm²; later Accords add tech like LaneWatch® and Blind-Spot Information (BSI). Replacing the whole exterior rear-view assembly is usually a 20--30-minute DIY, but cost jumps if the mirror carries ADAS sensors. Good upkeep (clean glass, correct aim, prompt repairs) keeps you legal, safe, and saves money.

Overview

Overview

The outside rear-view mirror lets drivers see traffic beside and behind the Accord, shrinking blind-zones that the cabin mirror cannot cover. Federal rules require at least 323 cm² of reflective area and a flat (unit-magnification) lens on the driver's side . Passenger mirrors may be convex, giving a wider view but making cars look smaller . Since model year 2013, many Accords add built-in signal lamps and heating elements. Later trims (2018-on) offer BSI lights on both door mirrors (Honda tech info page) .

How It Works

How It Works

• Manual vs. power adjust - All 8th-gen and newer Accords use electric motors you move with a thumb pad on the door .
• Heaters - When you press the rear-defroster button, low-watt elements behind the glass melt frost so the mirror stays clear.
• Turn-signal repeaters - LEDs in the cap flash with the front signals to alert cars in the next lane.
• BSI lamps - Small amber icons in both mirrors light up when radar spots a vehicle closing in from behind .
• LaneWatch® camera (2013-2017) - A camera under the passenger wing-mirror streams a live 80-degree view to the center screen whenever you signal right .

Fit & Compatibility

Fit & Compatibility

• Generations - 2008-2012, 2013-2017, 2018-2022, and the 2023-2025 redesign each use different mirror housings and connectors.
• Mount points - All bolt to the inner door with three M6 studs and a single harness plug.
• Painted caps - Upper trims ship color-matched; LX usually wears textured black that can be painted to code NH-788P, NH-603P, etc. (see Honda paint charts).
• Options matrix

← scroll table horizontally →

† Heated glass on EX-L & above; *BSI on EX & above.

Key Features

Key Features

• Flat (driver) vs. convex/aspheric (passenger) - Flat glass shows true size; convex widens view but shrinks images, so the safety-warning "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" is etched on the lens .
• Impact-resistant ABS housings stand up to 5 mph parking knocks .
• Break-away hinges reduce door skin damage in a hit.
• Heated glass clears fog within minutes, boosting visibility in rain or snow .
• Auto-tilt in reverse (select models) dips the mirror to show the curb for easier parking .

Common Problems

Common Problems

• Cracked glass or loose cap from tight parking spots.
• Motor won't move - often blown mirror fuse or water-logged connector.
• Signal or BSI lamp out - LED board failure; replace whole assembly on most trims.
• Recall note - Honda issued a recall for mirror glass that could detach due to weak adhesive on several 2020-2021 models .

DIY Replacement

DIY Replacement

1. Pry off the interior sail-panel.
2. Unplug the 7-pin harness.
3. Support the mirror, remove the three 10 mm nuts, and lift away (video guide) .
4. Install the new assembly, torque nuts to 7 N·m, reconnect, test functions, and refit trim.
   Tip: Glass-only swaps are cheaper but require heating the plate and popping the clips-use gloves and eye protection .
   Cost range: $300-$500 for a basic power mirror, $1,000-$2,500 for units with ADAS sensors plus $250 + calibration .

Safety & Laws

Safety & Laws

• U.S. FMVSS 111 sets mirror size, field-of-view, and flat-glass rules .
• Driver-side must be flat; convex allowed only as an extra .
• NHTSA studies show average blind-zone length behind passenger cars is 23 ft; proper mirror aim lowers crash risk (NHTSA).
• IIHS rates the 2024 Accord "Top Safety Pick+," with optional blind-spot detection that uses the door mirrors .
• AAA's mirror-setting method (head against window, then against center console) nearly removes overlap between mirrors and interior glass .

For full legislation text see the NHTSA FMVSS 111 page.

Care & Maintenance

Care & Maintenance

• Clean with glass cleaner and a microfiber towel; avoid ammonia on tinted lenses.
• Test heat and BSI lights monthly.
• Keep the hinge lubricated with silicone spray so the mirror folds without stress.
• After any door repair, recalibrate BSI/LaneWatch via the vehicle settings menu .

Upgrade Options

Upgrade Options

• Power-fold kits for 2018-2022 Accords plug into the factory harness and pull the mirrors in at lock .
• Tow-mirror extenders clip on for trailers and remove without tools .
• Aspheric glass inserts add a second outer curve to expand view.
• Carbon-look caps refresh style without repainting; use OEM-grade tape to attach.

Environmental Impact

Environmental Impact

About 75 % of a scrapped vehicle's weight-mostly steel and aluminum-gets recycled, but mirror housings (plastic plus glass) often end up as landfill "shredder fluff." The EPA encourages designs that allow easier recovery of these materials . When you replace a mirror, separate the glass from the plastic and check local e-waste rules for any circuit boards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which years of the Accord have LaneWatch in the mirror?
A: 2013-2017 sedan and coupe trims EX and above include the right-side LaneWatch camera.

Q: Why is the passenger mirror curved?
A: U.S. law lets the passenger side be convex so it shows more area; the words "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" warn that distances look shorter.

Q: How big is the driver's mirror required to be?
A: At least 323 cm² (about 50 sq in) of flat glass per FMVSS 111.

Q: My heated mirror isn't clearing-what should I check first?
A: Test the rear-defroster fuse; the mirror heater shares that circuit on most Accords.

Q: Can I replace just the cracked glass?
A: Yes-pry off the old plate, unplug the heater tabs, snap in a matching heater-glass kit, and reconnect. Wear gloves.

Q: Do I need to recalibrate sensors after swapping a mirror with BSI?
A: No extra tools-just drive for a few minutes; the Accord self-learns alignment after power-up.

Q: What is the safest mirror aim?
A: Follow AAA's "just see the car's flank" method to almost erase side blind-spots.

Q: How much does a painted, power-fold, heated BSI mirror cost?
A: Roughly $1,200 parts plus $100 labor, based on recent industry averages.

Q: Is there a legal penalty for driving without a side mirror?
A: Most U.S. states fine $100-$250 and can deem the car unsafe. Laws follow FMVSS 111 requirements.

Q: Are the 2024 mirrors recyclable?
A: Metal brackets are, but mixed plastic-glass caps often are not; ask a certified auto-recycler.

Q: Does the mirror camera record video?
A: LaneWatch is live-view only; it does not store footage.

By understanding how the Honda Accord's exterior mirror assembly works, how to maintain it, and the rules that govern it, drivers can keep visibility sharp, meet legal standards, and avoid pricey surprises down the road.