Buy Honda CR-V Side View Mirrors

Quick Summary

The Honda CR-V side mirror-also called a door mirror, wing mirror, or side-view mirror-lets the driver see traffic that is beside and behind the SUV. Modern CR-V mirrors can be power-adjusted, heated, auto-folding, include turn-signal repeaters, or even hide a LaneWatch or blind-spot sensor. They are required by U.S. safety law, make lane-changes safer, and are one of the most common DIY replacements on the CR-V.

Mirror Basics

A side mirror is legally classed as an "outside rearview mirror" and is required on all passenger vehicles sold in the United States under Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111. (NHTSA)
Owners may change or upgrade the mirror on their own CR-V without violating federal law as long as the vehicle continues to meet visibility rules. (NHTSA)

Fit & Compatibility

• All CR-V generations (1997-present) use a model-specific housing that bolts to the front door and plugs into a dedicated wiring harness.
• Power-adjust and heat functions became standard on most trims starting with the 2012 model year; turn-signal repeaters appeared on higher trims from 2015. (MotorTrend, Car and Driver)
• LaneWatch (a camera under the passenger mirror) was offered on EX and higher trims for 2015-2016 but is now being replaced by radar-based Blind Spot Information (BSI). (, MotorTrend)
• Always match options-heat, signal, fold, camera-to the original build. Using the wrong configuration can cause dashboard error codes or inoperative features. (CRV Owners Club, CRV Owners Club)

Key Features

• Power Glass - A small motor tilts the mirror with a cabin switch, preventing the need to push the glass manually. (Wikipedia)
• Heated Element - Thin resistive wires behind the glass clear frost in about two minutes when the rear-defog button is pressed.
• Turn-Signal Repeater - LEDs on the cap flash in sync with the main indicators; research shows mirror-mounted signals sit closer to a following driver's line of sight.
• Fold-Away Hinge - CR-V EX-L and Touring models after 2020 can auto-fold when locked, helping the SUV fit in tight garages. (Amazon)
• Blind-Spot Monitoring - Radar sensors warn of vehicles beside you; Insurance Institute studies show the tech reduces lane-change crashes by 14 percent. (IIHS, IIHS)
• LaneWatch Camera - A passenger-side camera sends a live video to the center screen when the right signal is on, giving a 4× wider view than the mirror alone. (MotorTrend)

Materials

• The housing is injection-molded from impact-resistant ABS plastic, chosen for its toughness and light weight. (Wikipedia)
• The mirror glass is laminated. Driver-side glass is usually flat for true distance; passenger-side is convex for a wider field of view. Bus-safety studies confirm convex glass greatly expands side vision. (Federal Transit Administration)
• Internal gears are nylon, and the backing plate is stamped steel or reinforced polymer.

Safety & Laws

• FMVSS 111 sets the minimum reflective area and placement rules for mirrors on passenger vehicles. (NHTSA)
• Blind-spot systems and lane-departure warnings together can prevent an estimated 50,000 crashes per year if fitted fleet-wide. (IIHS, IIHS)
• NHTSA granted limited exemptions to mirror rules for some autonomous deliveries, showing how regulations continue to evolve. (WIRED)

Tech Upgrades

• Auto-Dimming Glass - An electro-chromic layer darkens to cut headlight glare (aftermarket add-ons are available for the CR-V). (CRV Owners Club)
• Memory Positioning - On Touring trims, mirror angle is stored with seat presets, useful for multi-driver households. (MotorTrend)
• Homelink® Integration - Some owners retrofit a mirror with built-in garage-door buttons; plug-and-play wiring is identical to standard power units. (YouTube)

Installation Steps

1. Remove door panel screws and clips (follow a trim-removal video for exact fastener locations). (YouTube, YouTube)
2. Disconnect mirror harness and unbolt the three 10 mm nuts.
3. Lift off the old assembly, swap over the paint-matched cap if needed.
4. Seat the new mirror, torque nuts to 8 N·m, and reconnect wiring.
5. Test power, heat, and signals before reinstalling the door panel.
   Tip: Tape the glass to prevent breakage while you work.

Maintenance & Care

• Clean the glass with ammonia-free cleaner to avoid streaks and protect the heating element.
• Lubricate the fold hinge yearly with silicone spray to repel road salt.
• Check that the convex mirror warning ("Objects in mirror are closer…") is still readable; fading text can signal UV damage.

Troubleshooting

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Cost Factors

National repair data show the average total to replace a CR-V door mirror is $923 - $961 (parts plus one hour of labor). (RepairPal.com)
DIY shoppers can cut labor costs and may pay 40-60 percent less for an unpainted casing they finish locally. Paint-matched caps add $70-$120. (Amazon)

Eco & Recycling

• ABS housings and glass can be separated; many municipal programs now accept ABS plastics. (Wikipedia)
• Unbroken mirrors can often be sold to refurbishers, cutting landfill waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know which mirror fits my VIN?
A: Match year, trim, and options (heat, signal, camera). The wiring harness plug must be identical. Your owner's manual or a parts diagram shows the correct part number. (CRV Owners Club)

Q: Can I drive without a passenger mirror?
A: Laws vary, but FMVSS 111 only mandates a driver-side mirror on older cars. Modern states often require both, and driving without one limits visibility, so replace it promptly. (NHTSA)

Q: Does a convex mirror really help?
A: Yes. Studies of buses and SUVs found convex glass widens the field of view and lowers blind-spot crash risk. (Federal Transit Administration, IIHS)

Q: Are LaneWatch and blind-spot radar the same?
A: No. LaneWatch uses a camera in the mirror to show a live video, while BSI uses radar sensors in the bumper to warn with lights. Honda is phasing LaneWatch out in favor of radar. (Car and Driver, MotorTrend)

Q: Why did my power fold stop working after a car wash?
A: Water can short the fold motor. Let it dry, then cycle the lock button ten times. Persistent faults point to a failed motor or corroded connector.

Q: Will adding aftermarket auto-dimming glass void my warranty?
A: Swapping the glass generally does not affect the vehicle warranty, but damage caused during installation would not be covered. Consult your warranty booklet. (CRV Owners Club)

Q: Can I safely glue a cracked mirror?
A: Adhesives distort the reflection. Replace the glass insert instead; it's a five-minute DIY job. (Family Handyman)

Q: How much does blind-spot monitoring lower crash risk?
A: IIHS research shows a 14 percent reduction in lane-change crashes where the system is active. (IIHS)

Q: What's the torque spec for the mounting nuts?
A: Tighten to about 8 N·m (71 in-lb). Over-tightening can crack the ABS mount.

Q: Are mirror-mounted turn signals more visible than fender lights?
A: Yes. SAE studies found drivers perceive signals in the mirror's "eye-height" zone sooner than lower-mounted lamps. (Wikipedia)

This comprehensive guide equips you with verified facts, practical tips, and safety data to build rich, authoritative content around Honda CR-V side mirrors.