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Side mirror glass cracked, discolored, or missing: Causes & How to Fix It

If your vehicle is showing side mirror glass cracked, discolored, or missing, here are the most likely causes and the parts you'll need to fix each one.

Most likely causes

Physical Impact or Collisionaddress soon

The mirror struck a stationary object, another vehicle, or was hit by road debris, causing the glass to crack or shatter.

Adhesive Failureaddress soon

The factory adhesive holding the mirror glass to the plastic backing plate degraded over time due to heat and weather, causing the glass to fall off while driving.

Auto-Dimming Fluid Leakminor

The seal on an electrochromic (auto-dimming) mirror failed, allowing the dimming fluid to leak or pool. This causes a discolored, brown, or distorted appearance.

Improper Installation of Replacement Glassaddress soon

A recently replaced mirror glass was not fully snapped into the motor actuator, or weak aftermarket adhesive was used, causing it to vibrate loose and fall out.

Vandalism or Theftaddress soon

The mirror glass was intentionally smashed or pried out of the housing by a vandal or thief.

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