DIY Toyota Tacoma Side View Mirror Replacement (2016–2023) | Step-by-Step Guide

The Toyota Tacoma is a legendary workhorse, but its wide stance and off-road capabilities make side view mirrors prime targets for stray branches, tight garage doors, or parking lot mishaps. Driving with a cracked or hanging mirror isn't just an eyesore; it’s a significant safety hazard that compromises visibility. Fortunately, replacing a mirror on a 2016-2023 Tacoma is a straightforward task that doesn’t require a trip to an expensive body shop, especially when using a color-matched part.

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for removing a damaged mirror and installing a brand-new, pre-painted replacement from ReveMoto. By following these professional steps, the truck will be back to its original factory look.

Tools Required

• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips head screwdriver
• 10mm socket wrench

Mirror Removal Process

0:40 – Accessing the Door Panel Screws

Open the door and locate the small plastic cover behind the interior door handle. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pop this cover off. Once removed, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw located behind that panel. Then locate the second screw inside the door pull “cup” (the area used to grab and close the door) and remove it as well. Note that the larger diameter screw typically belongs in this cup area, while the smaller one is for the handle.

1:14 – Removing the Door Trim and Push-Pin

The Tacoma door panel is secured with a combination of screws and clips. Locate the plastic push-pin on the inner edge of the door panel. Press the center tab inward until it clicks, then use a flathead screwdriver to pry the clip out.

Next, move to the window control panel. Carefully pry it upward using a flathead screwdriver or trim tool. Once lifted, disconnect the wiring harnesses by pressing the release tabs and pulling them straight out. Set the panel aside to avoid putting strain on the wires.

2:35 – Door Panel Disassembly

At the upper corner of the door (near the mirror), remove the triangular plastic sail panel by pulling it straight off with your fingers. It is held in place by friction clips.

Now move to the bottom corner of the door panel. Grip firmly and pull outward to release the retaining clips. You can use a push-and-pull motion—one hand stabilizing, the other pulling—to safely pop the panel free without damaging the clips. You do not need to fully remove the panel; allow it to rest or hang slightly while keeping the wiring intact.

Pro Tip: Avoid disconnecting the door handle cable unless necessary. If it becomes unhooked, make sure the green plastic retainer is properly clipped back into place during reassembly to keep the handle functioning correctly.

3:10 – Preparing for Mirror Removal

Before removing any hardware, leave the wiring connected for now and always support the mirror from the outside with one hand. This is critical—once the mounting nuts are removed, the mirror can fall and potentially damage the paint or the mirror itself.

3:23 – Exposing the Mirror Bolts

Locate the circular black stickers covering the mirror mounting access holes. Peel these back carefully and set them aside. These stickers help prevent wind noise and moisture intrusion, so they should be reinstalled later.

3:52 – Removing the 10mm Mounting Nuts

Using a 10mm socket wrench, remove the three mounting nuts securing the mirror to the door.

Important: There is a pocket of open space inside the door frame. As you loosen the nuts, tilt the socket upward and “fish” them out carefully. Taking your time here helps prevent dropping a nut inside the door, which can be difficult to retrieve and may cause rattling later.

5:24 – Disconnecting and Removing the Mirror

Once all three nuts are removed, hold the mirror securely from the outside. Reach inside the door and press the release tab on the wiring harness to unplug it. Gently wiggle the mirror assembly and pull it away from the door.

Mirror Installation Process

6:10 – Preparing the New Mirror

Take your new pre-painted mirror and inspect the rubber gasket on the base. Ensure it is properly seated.

Important: Only use one gasket. If the new mirror already has one installed, do not reuse the old gasket from the door. Doubling up will prevent a proper seal and can lead to wind noise inside the cabin.

6:21 – Feeding the Wiring and Positioning

Feed the wiring harness through the door opening and align the mounting studs with the holes. Press the mirror flush against the door while keeping it supported from the outside.

7:32 – Securing the Mirror

Hand-thread the 10mm nuts onto the studs first to avoid cross-threading. Once they are properly started, tighten them using a socket wrench.

Avoid power tools: The mirror base is made of plastic, and using an impact or power tool can strip the studs or crack the mounting points. Tighten until snug—do not over-torque.

9:07 – Checking Fitment

Inspect the mirror from the outside to ensure it sits completely flush against the door. If there are any gaps, adjust the mounting nuts accordingly. A poor seal can allow air to enter and cause noticeable wind noise while driving.

9:30 – Reassembling the Door Panel

• Reconnect the mirror wiring harness
• Reposition the door panel and align all clips with their mounting points
• Press firmly around the edges until each clip snaps back into place
• Give the panel a light tug to confirm it is securely attached
• Reinstall the push-pin (pull the center tab outward, insert the clip, then press it flush to lock)
• Reinstall the screws in their correct positions (larger in the cup, smaller at the handle)
• Snap the plastic covers and trim pieces back into place

11:40 – Fixing a Loose Door Handle (If Needed)

If the interior door handle feels loose after reassembly, check the green cable retainer. Ensure it is properly hooked into the handle mechanism and snapped securely into its bracket. This is a common issue if the cable gets unseated during panel removal.

DISCLAIMER: While ReveMoto tries to make the information in this blog as accurate as possible, we make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content. No information contained in this blog shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself (DIY) projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. ReveMoto is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this blog.