Buy Kia Optima Side View Mirrors

Quick Summary

The Kia Optima's side mirror-also called a wing mirror, door mirror, or side-view mirror-lets you see cars beside and behind you, keeps you legal, and packs helpful tech like heat, turn-signal LEDs, power-fold motors, and even blind-spot cameras on newer trims. Over four generations (2001-2020) its shape, wiring, and add-ons changed, so matching year and option-package matters. Federal rules set mirror size and aim; state laws require at least one good exterior mirror. Knowing how the mirror works, how to spot damage, and how to swap or upgrade it saves money and boosts safety. (CarBuzz, NHTSA, Kia)

Model Fit & Years

• 3rd Gen (2011-2013 TF, 2014-2015 facelift): Power-adjust and heat were common; some EX/SX cars added LED turn signals. (CarBuzz)
• 4th Gen (2016-2018 JF, 2019-2020 facelift): Mirrors gained optional blind-spot indicators and puddle lamps; certain trims offered camera feeds that pop up in the gauge cluster when you signal. (, The US Sun)
• Earlier models (2001-2010) and the 2021-on K5 replacement use different housings and plugs-double-check before ordering. (destinationkia.com)

Core Features

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Safety & Rules

The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111 sets size, location, and field-of-view limits for outside mirrors. (NHTSA) Most states say you must have at least the driver-side door mirror if rear vision is blocked; some require both. (Driving Laws) Clean mirrors cut glare and help headlight reflections hurt your eyes less. (Popular Mechanics)

Common Problems

• Cracked glass: From road debris or parking bumps.
• Vibration or "wobble": Worn pivot spring-easy fix with a 10 mm wrench. (YouTube, Optima Forums)
• Faulty heating: Broken element or loose plug inside door. (YouTube)
• Blank blind-spot light: Radar sensor fault or burned-out LED. (Consumer Reports)

DIY Replacement

1. Pry off the small interior trim cap.
2. Unplug the mirror harness.
3. Remove the three 10 mm nuts; hold the mirror so it won't fall. Tighten new nuts to 6.9 - 10.8 N·m (5.1 - 8 lb-ft) on install. (GDS Manuals, Kia Stinger)
4. Test power, heat, and lights before snapping panels back. A how-to video shows the full process in under ten minutes. (YouTube)

Care Tips

• Wash with mild soap and a soft microfiber towel to avoid scratches. (Popular Mechanics, Popular Mechanics)
• Aim mirrors so the edge of your own car just leaves the view; this cuts blind spots. (Consumer Reports)
• Wax or ceramic-coat the housing so bugs wipe off easily.

Upgrade Ideas

Adding a stick-on convex dot mirror costs a few dollars and widens the view. (Consumer Reports) Power-fold kits or auto-dimming glass are available for older Optimas and use the same mount holes. (Optima Forums, Patrick Mini)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What size socket do I need to remove the mirror?
A: A 10 mm socket fits all three mounting nuts on 2011-2020 Optimas. (YouTube)

Q: Do I have to disconnect the battery first?
A: It's smart but not required; just keep the key off to avoid shorting the mirror heater wires.

Q: Can I swap a heated mirror onto a car that didn't have heat?
A: Yes, if your Optima has rear-defrost wiring in the door plug; most 2011-up harnesses include it even if unused. (Amazon)

Q: What does the orange car-shaped icon on the glass mean?
A: It's the Blind-Spot Collision Warning lamp. It lights when radar sees a vehicle in the adjacent lane. (Consumer Reports)

Q: Why does my mirror fold by itself when I lock the car?
A: Power-fold mirrors can be set to auto-fold with the key-fob lock command via the vehicle settings menu. (destinationkia.com)

Q: How hot does the heater element get?
A: Around 104 °F (40 °C), just enough to melt frost without cracking glass.

Q: Are color-matched caps replaceable?
A: Yes; pry off the painted cap and snap on a primed or pre-painted one-no need to replace the whole mirror. (Optima Forums)

Q: What torque spec prevents overtightening?
A: 6.9 - 10.8 N·m (5.1 - 8 lb-ft) for the three mounting nuts. (GDS Manuals)

Q: Will a mirror from a hybrid Optima fit a gas version?
A: Housing and glass match, but hybrid mirrors can have extra wires for camera or temperature sensors-check pin count. (destinationkia.com)

Q: Is it legal to drive with a missing passenger mirror?
A: In many states yes, but only if the driver mirror and interior mirror give a clear rear view. Check local rules. (Driving Laws)