Back to 2021 Hyundai Tucson

2021 HYUNDAI TUCSON

2.5L I4AWDAUTOMATICgas
1 active safety recall on this vehicle — view recalls
Repairs438Labor564Torque3745Fluid9DTC923Battery0Maintenance0Recalls1
electrical

Power Mirror Motor

for 2021 Hyundai Tucson 2.5L I4 · AWD
Difficulty
Easy
Time
1.0 h
Tools
7
Steps
12

Remove and replace the power mirror motor assembly on a 2016-2024 Hyundai Tucson, including removal of the door trim panel and disconnection of electrical connectors.

Warnings

Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes before starting work to prevent airbag deployment and electrical shorts.
ℹ️Work in temperatures above 60°F (15°C) when possible to prevent trim panel clips from becoming brittle and breaking.
The mirror glass may detach unexpectedly when removing the motor assembly. Support the mirror housing throughout the procedure.

Tools required

Trim panel removal tool setEssential
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
Phillips screwdriverEssential
Flathead screwdriver
Torque wrench (5-15 Nm range)Essential
Electrical contact cleaner
Shop towels

Parts

  • Power mirror motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification for specific side (driver/passenger)
  • Door trim panel clips × 5 — OEM replacement clips if damaged during removal

Preparation

  1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
  2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 3 minutes
  3. Lower front windows completely to access door panel screws
  4. Inspect trim panel clips and have replacements available for any that may break during removal

Procedure

  1. 1
    Remove door trim panel fasteners
    Remove the Phillips screw located in the door pull handle recess. Remove the screw behind the interior door handle bezel by prying the bezel forward gently with a trim tool. Remove any additional screws at the bottom edge of the door panel.
  2. 2
    Release door panel clips
    Starting at the rear bottom corner, insert a trim panel tool between the door panel and door frame. Work around the perimeter, releasing each clip by prying outward gently. There are typically 8-10 clips around the panel perimeter. Lift the panel upward once all clips are released to disengage it from the window sill.
  3. 3
    Disconnect door panel electrical connectors
    Disconnect all electrical connectors from the back of the door panel including power window switch, power lock switch, and any courtesy lighting. Press the release tabs while pulling connectors straight out. Set the door panel aside in a safe location.
  4. 4
    Remove moisture barrier access
    Carefully peel back the plastic moisture barrier in the area of the mirror mounting location. Only remove enough to access the mirror mounting bolts and electrical connector. Do not tear the barrier as it provides water protection.
  5. 5
    Disconnect mirror electrical connector
    Locate the mirror motor electrical connector inside the door cavity. Press the release tab and disconnect the connector from the mirror motor assembly. If connector shows corrosion, clean contacts with electrical contact cleaner and allow to dry.
  6. 6
    Remove mirror mounting bolts
    Locate the three 10mm mounting bolts securing the mirror assembly to the door frame. These are typically arranged in a triangular pattern. Support the mirror housing from the outside while removing the bolts to prevent the mirror from falling.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  7. 7
    Remove mirror assembly
    Carefully pull the mirror assembly away from the door while feeding the electrical connector and wiring through the mounting hole. Be careful not to scratch the door paint. Inspect the mounting surface and gasket for damage.
  8. 8
    Separate mirror motor from housing
    With the mirror assembly on a clean work surface, remove the screws securing the mirror motor to the mirror housing. The motor is typically held by 2-3 small screws accessible from the back of the housing. Disconnect any internal wiring clips and remove the motor assembly.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  9. 9
    Install new mirror motor
    Position the new mirror motor into the mirror housing, ensuring all alignment tabs are properly seated. Connect any internal wiring clips. Install and torque the motor mounting screws to specification. Verify the motor sits flush in the housing.
    Torque spec
    Cover Screws11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
  10. 10
    Reinstall mirror assembly to door
    Feed the electrical connector and wiring through the door mounting hole. Align the mirror assembly with the three mounting bolt holes. Install the mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification in a cross pattern.
    Torque spec
    Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
  11. 11
    Reconnect electrical and test
    Connect the mirror electrical connector inside the door. Reconnect the battery negative terminal and torque to specification. Before reinstalling the door panel, turn the ignition to ON position and test all mirror functions (up, down, left, right, fold if equipped) to verify proper operation.
    Torque spec
    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
  12. 12
    Reseal moisture barrier and reinstall door panel
    Press the moisture barrier back into place, ensuring complete adhesion around all edges. Reconnect all electrical connectors to the door panel. Position the panel onto the door, engaging the top edge with the window sill first, then press firmly around the perimeter to seat all clips. Reinstall all screws and bezels.

Reassembly

  1. Verify all door panel clips are fully seated by pressing around the panel perimeter
  2. Test all door panel switches (windows, locks, mirror controls) to confirm proper reconnection
  3. Ensure the moisture barrier is completely sealed to prevent water intrusion
  4. Verify no tools or parts are left inside the door cavity before final assembly

Verification

  • Test mirror motor in all directions (up, down, left, right) with ignition ON
  • If equipped, verify power fold function operates smoothly in both directions
  • Verify heated mirror function operates if equipped (wait 30 seconds and check for warmth on mirror glass)
  • Check that mirror adjustment holds position and does not drift
  • Ensure no abnormal noises during mirror operation
  • Verify all door panel switches and functions work correctly
  • Inspect door panel for proper fit and no gaps or misalignment

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