Buy Subaru Impreza Side View Mirrors

Snapshot

The Subaru Impreza side mirror-also called a door mirror, wing mirror, or side-view glass-lets the driver see traffic next to and behind the car. Modern Impreza mirrors may fold in for parking, warm themselves to melt ice, dim to block headlight glare, and flash lights for blind-spot alerts. All of these upgrades must still follow Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 111, the U.S. rule that sets size, shape, and placement for rear-view mirrors. (Subaru, NHTSA, Subaru)

Mirror Basics

A driver-side mirror on U.S. cars is flat so objects show their real size, while the passenger-side mirror is convex (slightly curved) to widen the view. The curve must fall between a 35- and 65-inch radius and carry the warning "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear." (NHTSA, ApexSpeed, Car and Driver)

Glass, backing plate, wiring, and a painted plastic (or sometimes aluminum) housing make up the assembly. Mirror glass is ordinary safety glass coated with reflective aluminum or silver, the same material used for windshields and other car windows. (HowStuffWorks, HowStuffWorks)

Impreza Years

The Impreza nameplate arrived for model-year 1993 and has now reached its sixth generation, launched for 2024. Earlier generations used manual-fold mirrors, but 2012-2016 cars gained power adjustment, and 2017-2023 models added built-in turn-signal lamps. Heated glass and auto-dimming coatings are standard or optional on most 2024-2025 trims. (Subaru Media, Subaru)

Key Features

Heated glass. Thin heating wires run behind the reflective layer, clearing frost in about two minutes when the rear-window defroster is on.

Auto-dimming. A light-sensing gel darkens the mirror face at night to cut glare. Subaru pairs the side units with the interior mirror and even adds a compass or HomeLink buttons. (Subaru)

Blind-spot indicator. Radar in the rear bumper lights a small icon on the mirror glass when a vehicle is in the danger zone. The lamp flashes if you signal a lane change toward that side. (Subaru, YouTube)

Build & Materials

Subaru's service bulletin shows the mirror head mounts with three bolts torqued to 4 Nm (35 in-lb). Using thread-locking compound keeps the bolts tight and stops vibration. Plastic housings are usually ABS or polypropylene, both tough and paintable. (NHTSA, HowStuffWorks, NHTSA)

Safety Rules

FMVSS 111 requires every passenger car to carry a driver-side flat mirror and allows-but does not force-convex glass on the passenger side. Convex mirrors cannot be used on the driver side under this rule. (, NHTSA)

Proper adjustment is key: tilt each outside mirror outward until the car's flank just disappears from view. This overlap with the center mirror nearly erases blind spots. (Car and Driver)

DIY Swap Steps

1. Disconnect the battery and pop off the interior sail-panel trim.
2. Unplug the mirror harness.
3. Support the mirror and remove the three 10 mm bolts; torque new bolts to 4 Nm in installation.
4. Snap the trim back on and test all functions. A free step-by-step video guide can help visual learners. (NHTSA, YouTube)

Care Tips

Wipe the glass with soft microfiber and mild glass cleaner. Avoid ammonia, which can cloud the anti-glare coating. Check aim and tighten fasteners at each oil change. If someone else drives the car, readjust mirrors before moving off. (DriversEd.com)

Upgrades

Mirror caps can be swapped for color-matched or carbon-pattern shells. Subaru's accessory line also offers approach-light mirrors that project puddle lighting when you unlock the doors. Some owners install aftermarket LED turn-signal repeaters for added side visibility, a feature human-factors studies link to quicker reaction times in nearby drivers. (Subaru)

Mirror Adjustment

Sit normally, lean your head toward the window, then adjust the driver mirror so you barely see the rear door handle. Lean the same distance toward the console for the passenger side and repeat. This wide-angle method leaves almost no blind zone between mirrors. (Car and Driver, DriversEd.com)

Buying Guide

• Match the mirror to your Impreza's model year, trim, and options (heat, blind-spot lamp, memory).
• If your car has factory paint codes, order a primed or pre-painted cover.
• Check plug shape: base models use a 5-pin harness, while blind-spot mirrors add extra wires.
• Look for DOT or E-mark stamps that prove the glass meets safety rules. (Subaru, HowStuffWorks)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will a 2024 Impreza mirror fit a 2016 model?
A: No. Subaru redesigned the body and wiring after 2016, so bolt holes and plugs differ.

Q: How do I know if I have heated mirrors?
A: Look for a tiny defrost icon on the glass or check for two extra wires in the plug. Turning on the rear defroster should warm the glass within minutes. (Subaru)

Q: Why is the passenger mirror curved?
A: The convex shape shows a wider view, helping drivers see cars in the next lane. U.S. law sets the exact curve range. (NHTSA)

Q: Can I add blind-spot alerts to a base Impreza?
A: Aftermarket kits exist, but factory-grade radar needs bumper sensors and wiring. It's simpler to add a stick-on blind-spot mirror or upgrade to factory mirrors from a higher trim with built-in indicators. (Subaru)

Q: What is the torque spec for the mounting bolts?
A: Subaru lists 4 Nm (35 in-lb) for the three mirror bolts on 2012-2023 Imprezas. (NHTSA)

Q: My mirror vibrates at highway speed-what helps?
A: Check that the retaining bolts are tight and apply medium-strength thread locker as Subaru advises. Damaged glass or loose caps can also shake.

Q: Does auto-dimming glass need maintenance?
A: No maintenance is required. If the gel leaks or the mirror turns cloudy, replace the assembly. (Subaru)

Q: Will vinyl wrap damage the mirror cover?
A: Quality wraps can protect paint and peel off cleanly if heated gently. Rough removal may scratch plastic.

Q: Do folding mirrors break if pushed manually?
A: Power-fold units can be moved by hand in emergencies and are spring-loaded to avoid damage, but forcing them often can wear the gears. (YouTube)

Q: How do I adjust mirrors for towing?
A: Add clip-on extension mirrors so you can see the full trailer length. Drivers should view at least one lane on each side. (HowStuffWorks)

Q: What's the best cleaner for mirror glass?
A: Use ammonia-free glass spray or a 50/50 water-vinegar mix and a lint-free cloth.

Q: Why does water stay on my mirror after rain?
A: Hydrophobic coatings or simple shaving-cream tricks can repel water. Heated mirrors also speed drying. (Subaru)

Q: Can I replace just the glass instead of the full assembly?
A: Yes, if the housing and motor still work. Pry off the old plate carefully and clip in a replacement of the same size and curvature.

Q: Are mirror turn-signal lamps safer?
A: Studies show side-mounted signals are higher in drivers' eye lines and can cut reaction time when vehicles change lanes.

Q: Why does my mirror say "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear"?
A: Convex glass shrinks the reflected image to fit more in view, so things look farther away than they really are-hence the warning. (NHTSA)

References

NHTSA, FMVSS 111 Rear Visibility PDF. (NHTSA)
Subaru, 2024 Impreza Trim Comparison PDF. (Subaru)
Subaru, EyeSight Driver-Assist Technology overview. (Subaru)
NHTSA interpretation letter on convex mirrors. (NHTSA)
ApexSpeed forum, "Flat versus convex side mirrors" discussion. (ApexSpeed)
Car and Driver, "How to Adjust Your Mirrors" article. (Car and Driver)
HowStuffWorks, "Top Materials Used in Auto Manufacturing." (HowStuffWorks)
HowStuffWorks, "Towing Mirrors" safety guide. (HowStuffWorks)
Subaru Media, 2024 Impreza debut press release. (Subaru Media)
Subaru Service Bulletin 12-195-15, mirror bolt torque. (NHTSA)
Subaru Accessories Brochure, auto-dimming mirror info. (Subaru)
Subaru article, "What Is Blind Spot Monitoring?" (Subaru)
YouTube, Subaru Blind-Spot Detection demonstration. (YouTube)
YouTube, "How to Replace Side Mirrors 2012-2016 Impreza" tutorial. (YouTube)
DriversEd.com, "Tips for Adjusting Mirrors." (DriversEd.com)
FHWA Human-Factors Report on LED mirror-mounted alerts.