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How To Replace the Side Mirror on a 2011 to 2015 Chevy Cruze

The side mirrors on your 2011 to 2015 Chevy Cruze are designed to increase your awareness and visibility on the road. If your side mirror is missing, cracked or broken, replacing it will improve the safety of your Cruze. Whether features of the mirror like power or heat have stopped working, or it’s been damaged in an accident, replacing a side mirror yourself is a straightforward task that can save you some money and restore an important safety feature on your Chevy Cruze.

Tools & Materials

Side Mirror Side Mirror

Safety Glasses Eye Protection

Gloves Nitrile Gloves

Trim Tool Trim Tool

Ratchet & Sockets Ratchet & Sockets

Torque Wrench Torque Wrench

Step-By-Step Instructions to Replace the Side Mirror on a 2011-2015 Chevy Cruze

The following procedure will apply to most 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 Chevy Cruze models, but be sure to know the specifics for your year and sub-model of Cruze before getting started. If you’re not completely comfortable doing this repair yourself, we’d be happy to recommend a professional technician in your area.


Use a trim tool to remove the small plastic panel behind the mirror.

Step 1: Remove the Trim Panel

Open the door on the side where you’ll be working and use a trim tool to remove the small panel on the inside of the mirror.
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Disconnect the wiring harness.

Step 2: Disconnect the Wiring Harness

Disconnect the wiring harness by pushing in the tab on the side of the connector.
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Use a 10mm socket and extension to loosen the bolts securing the mirror.

Step 3: Remove the Mounting Bolts

Use a ratchet and 10mm socket with extension to loosen and remove the three bolts securing the mirror.
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Hold the mirror steady from the outside while you remove the last bolt.

Step 4: Remove the Old Mirror

Hold the mirror in place from the outside as you remove the last bolt, then remove the mirror from the door.
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Hold the mirror in place from the outside while you install the first bolt.

Step 5: Install the New Mirror

Position your new mirror assembly against the door and hold it in place from the outside as you thread the first bolt.
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Finger-tighten all three bolts.

Step 6: Finger-tighten the Bolts

Once the first bolt is threaded, reinstall the other two so that all three bolts are finger tight.
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Torque the bolts to 80 inch-pounds.

Step 7: Torque the Bolts

Use a torque wrench to tighten those bolts to 80 inch-pounds.
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Reconnect the wiring harness.

Step 8: Reconnect the Wiring Harness

Reconnect the wiring harness by plugging it in until you hear it click into place.
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Snap the trim piece back into place.

Step 9: Reinstall the Trim Piece

Reinstall the trim piece by snapping it back in.
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Additional Resources

diy replace rear view mirror

How To Replace Your Rearview Mirror
what you should see in your mirrors

Adjusting Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots
side mirror glass replacement

How To Replace Your Side Mirror Glass

The automotive repair work depicted in this series is performed under the direction of the manufacturer of the product featured. Prior to undertaking any of the demonstrated repairs on your vehicle, we suggest you consult with a certified mechanic or another professional who can adequately advise you of the proper repair or remedy required. O’Reilly Automotive Stores, Inc. and its affiliates (“O’Reilly”) disclaims any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from a viewer’s attempt to recreate the repairs shown in this series.