Buy Kia Soul Side View Mirrors

Before we dive in, here's a quick look at what you'll find below: the Kia Soul's exterior rear-view mirror-also called a side mirror, door mirror, wing mirror, or outside rear-view mirror-comes in several styles (manual-folding, power-folding, heated, with or without turn-signal or blind-spot lamps). It plays a big role in safety and is regulated by U.S. mirror rules.

Part Basics

The side mirror lets you see cars, bikes, and people beside and behind your Soul. Newer models add built-in LED turn signals and Blind-Spot Collision Warning lights that flash in the mirror glass, warning you when another car is in your blind zone (Kia). Mirrors on the driver's side are flat for true distance, while passenger mirrors are convex to show a wider view (NHTSA, NHTSA). Heated versions use a thin electric grid glued behind the glass to melt ice and fog (Popular Mechanics).

Compatibility

All Soul generations (2009-2025) use door mirrors that bolt to the front door just below the A-pillar, but plug shapes and wiring change by year. Check your build date on the driver-door label and match plug pins, especially if you have power-folding or blind-spot lamps (NHTSA).

Mirror Features

• Power adjust: A thumb switch moves the glass (Kia).
• Heated glass: Clears frost when you press the rear-defog button (Popular Mechanics).
• LED turn signal: Flashes arrows to other drivers (Kia).
• Blind-spot warning lamp (BSW/BSD): Amber icon lights when radar sees traffic (Kia).
• Power-fold: Motor tucks the wing mirror in tight for narrow parking spots (Edmunds).

Common Problems

• Cracked or loose glass after bumps or stone hits (YouTube).
• Broken fold motor gears making clicking sounds (Edmunds).
• Blind-spot lamp fault codes C120D15 / C120B15 when wiring is damaged (NHTSA).
• Heater grid burns out, leaving icy patches (Popular Mechanics).

Diagnosis

Turn the key ON, pick "L" or "R" on the mirror switch, and try each direction. No movement usually means a blown 10 A mirror fuse or a bad switch (Kia). If the blind-spot lamp will not light during the ignition test cycle, scan for DTCs noted above (NHTSA).

Replacement Steps

1. Pop the tweeter trim off with a plastic pry tool (YouTube).
2. Unplug the mirror harness and remove three 10 mm nuts.
3. Lift off the old housing; seat the new mirror; torque nuts snug.
4. Re-attach the trim, test adjust, heat, and lights .
   Whole job takes 15-30 minutes with basic tools.

Safety Importance

Properly aimed mirrors cut lane-change crashes by about 23 % when blind-spot indicators are used (NHTSA). U.S. rule FMVSS 111 requires the "Objects in Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear" text on convex passenger mirrors and bans convex glass on the driver side (NHTSA, NHTSA).

Legal Requirements

Most states demand two working mirrors if the rear window view is blocked; a few allow only one if the center mirror is clear (Ecomodder). Mirrors may not extend more than 3 inches beyond the widest point of the car unless towing .

Cost Factors

Average total cost for a Soul door mirror swap is $674-$691, with parts the biggest chunk (RepairPal.com). Unpainted black caps cost less than color-matched caps that need paint. Adding blind-spot radar and power-fold can double part cost.

Maintenance Tips

• Keep glass clean with mild glass spray-no ammonia on tint strips.
• In winter, let the heater work; never pour hot water on the mirror (Popular Mechanics).
• Lubricate the fold hinge yearly with silicone spray to prevent squeaks.
• Re-adjust mirrors so a sliver of your Soul shows and the horizon splits the glass for best coverage (YouTube).

Upgrades & Accessories

Clip-on convex spot mirrors widen the view but must not block the built-in BSW lamp (NHTSA). Snap-on mirror covers in carbon-look plastic change style without paint.

Recycling Disposal

Old mirrors contain glass, plastic, and wiring. Remove the glass and recycle it with mixed glass, then take the plastic shell to a plastics recycler. Local e-waste centers accept wiring harnesses with copper (NHTSA).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my Soul has heated mirrors?
A: Look for a tiny heater icon on the rear-defog button. When you press that button, the mirror grid warms automatically (The Sun).

Q: Why is the passenger mirror curved?
A: U.S. law lets the right-side mirror be convex so it shows more area. The curve also requires the safety warning text (NHTSA, NHTSA).

Q: Can I swap a 2024 mirror onto a 2019 Soul?
A: Not directly. The mounting holes fit, but the wiring plugs and blind-spot system differ. Use the same generation for a plug-and-play fit (NHTSA).

Q: My fold motor clicks but won't move. Fix or replace?
A: Clicking means the gears are stripped. Replacement is quicker and often cheaper than rebuilding the tiny gear set (Edmunds).

Q: The blind-spot lamp stays on. What now?
A: Scan for code C120B15 or C120D15; if present, check wiring between the lamp and radar module or replace the module (NHTSA).

Q: Is DIY mirror glass replacement easy?
A: Yes. Pry off the old glass with gloves, unplug the heater tabs, snap in new glass, and reconnect the tabs. It takes about five minutes (YouTube).

Q: Do I need paint after changing the mirror?
A: If your Soul uses a body-color cap, you'll need paint. Many lower trims use textured black caps that match out of the box (RepairPal.com).

Q: Are convex add-on spot mirrors legal?
A: Yes, as long as they don't hide the built-in mirror surface or safety lamps and stay within width limits (Ecomodder).

Q: How often should I replace the mirror?
A: Only when glass is cracked, the housing is loose, or electric features fail. A healthy mirror can last the life of the vehicle (Popular Mechanics).

Q: Does a broken heater element fail inspection?
A: Most states don't test mirror heaters, but safe winter driving depends on a clear view. Replace if you drive in ice or snow (The Sun).

This guide covers the essentials and extras you need to know about Kia Soul side mirrors, helping you choose, maintain, and replace them with confidence.