Side Mirror Issue

Hello ALL

Subject Vehicle: 2021 TRD/ORP/MR, 3,600 miles.

This is a strange one. The side mirrors both operate fine. But the glass on the driver's side has developed what I call a white cloud-like substance. The cloudy substance is on the outer edge of the glass all 360 degrees. And it slowly seems to be traveling inward towards the center. At certain angles, you don't notice it. But at other angles, it's unmistakable. If you try cleaning the glass, or just rubbing your thumb against the white stuff, it disappears for about 2 seconds and returns. Attached is a photo. It's difficult to photo since the combination of camera angle and light have to be just right. Hopefully you can just make out a corner of the white fog. But it does encompass the entire outer edge of the glass.

My best guess is that the glass did not seal correctly to the plastic base behind it, allowing moisture to enter between the glass and base, from rain, car washes, etc. But I wanted to get your guys opinions, Thanks for any help.

 

take it to the dealer and have them replace it if that doesn't work, i have a new set setting in my garage that i exchanged out for the Rav4 with blind side in it if you pay the shipping i will mail them out to you good luck with the dealer

 

Looks like a great opportunity to swap out your mirrors for the RAV4 mirrors that have the convex blind spot mirror built into them.

 

Yep dealer will warranty that one.

That said, you may want to look into the Rav4 blind spot mirror mod. Rav4 mirrors have a blind spot mirror in one corner and fit our 4runners perfectly.

 

Thanks guys. Appreciate your responses.

 

I have the cth convex mirrors w/led turn signals in the glass.

imho, It’s much better then the dated rav4 convex in the corner. But some folks prefer the convex in the corner

 

Just had both glass pieces replaced under warranty by the Dealer. No charge. In and out of the Dealer in 1 hour. I spoke to the actual Tech that changed out the glass. He mentioned that my conclusion of moisture collecting between the glass and the plastic base was correct. He also mentioned that mine was the first with this problem he had encountered. But the fact that both R & L glass needed replaced, he said it was likely that other 21' 4R's left the Factory with this problem. Anyway, easy fix.

 

I switched to SUMA heated/tinted/blind spot/signal mirrors. Couldn’t be happier, great product.

 

BUMP !!

Well, it's back. As above, I had the glass replaced last September under warranty. Now, this second set is fogging up just like the first set. What the heck is wrong. Moister has to be getting between the glass and the plastic base of the mirror. But how ? I do use a drive through, brush-less car was that does have a powerful high pressure water stage. So when this clouding started again, I pushed the side mirrors inward so as not to make direct contact with the pressure wash against the glass. But the fogging is still getting worse. Hmmmmm. I would assume the 4R being only a year old and 13,000 miles, it would still be under warranty. But what a strange nuisance. Any other ideas what might be causing this ? Thanks.

 

I have them too, and I like them.

The RAV4 mirrors are ok. My ex had a RAV4, so I got to try them out before buying. If the convex mirror was at the bottom corner, I might have bought a set.

 

That is really weird. You have haunted mirrors. If you don't feel like replacing them with oem again, and decide to do aftermarket, it would be really interesting if they did it after that...

 

The RAV 4 mirrors w/blind spot mirror are an essential upgrade. This is your chance to get them. Order part numbers:

• R Blind Spot Mirror 87931-42D50
• L Blind Spot Mirror 87961-42D20

 

Have you tried hitting those mirrors with a heat gun or a blow dryer?

 

This. Got mine here

https://parts.olathetoyota.com/

These are really a game changer. I highly recommend them.

 

No I have not. But that's a good idea. Since they are heated mirrors, I've tried turning on the heat, but no luck. I'm afraid the combination of hard water and detergent from the car wash and normal rain has made the white clouding dry and permanent. But the heat gun is worth a try. Will report back. Thanks.

 

It’s got a 3 year, 36,000 warranty. Id definitely take it back in to get replaced.

 

Tried the heat gun. No change. I'll take it back in under warranty - again. If it happens a third time, I'll go after-market. So strange. Maybe some other 2021 4R's owners have this issue, but just haven't noticed it ?
But thanks for all the replies.

 

You win the prize. I've never run across this particular issue.

 

A part of me wonders if the heating elements are getting a little hotter than they should.

 

I've wondered if the heating elements in the mirrors are continuously "on" even if the switch is off ? The rear defroster works as normal. Thus, melting any adhesive/sealant between the glass and the plastic base, and allowing moisture to penetrate. The white cloudiness starts in a 360 degree circumference from the outer edge, and slowing creeps inward towards the center. This started as soon as I took delivery. So strange.

 

That theory might be easy to test. The mirrors are very easy to remove and unplug the defroster. Once unplugged you could use a volt meter to test the on/off switch positions. One would think the mechanic changing the mirrors would check that but you never know.

 

Hey!! Thanks. That's a good idea. Since I'm having the mirrors changed again, I'll have them do this.
And while they are at it, change the puddle lamps to brighter bulbs that I will bring.

 

It's possible. I thought they were on a set timer, maybe 10 to 15 minutes. I have seen mine stay on for up to 30 minutes though, but only when it's very very cold.

 

Maybe try running the mirrors without plugging the heater wires in. Try it for a few months and see if they stay clear (you rarely need the heat anyway). Then plug them in and see if you get the issue returning.

 

That's what I thought too. Possibly the switch is defective and allowing the heat to the mirrors to be in a continuous "on" position ?

 

That's another good idea. Thanks.

 

BUMP-2 - UPDATE:

I dropped off the 4R to the Dealer to have them look at the SECOND pair of fogged up mirrors, and get a 15,000 mile oil change while there. Since this was the second pair of mirrors, they wanted me to leave the 4R with them so a local Toyota Rep could look at them and approve any warranty work. According to the Service Advisor they snapped the mirrors out and tested the voltage, on-off switch, etc. All functioned as normal and in the correct sequence. So they snapped the mirrors back in and unbelievably approved another pair of mirrors under warranty. This will be the THIRD pair. But, the Toyota Rep via the Service advisor asked me: "What car wash are you using?" And that's when a light bulb went off in my head.

It turns out that there is no O-ring, gasket, or adhesive between the glass and the plastic backing. The glass is simply "crimped" to the backing by machine where the mirrors are made. So it's not 100% water-proof. But tight enough that there should not be a problem.

So the car wash I frequently use appears to be the culprit. It's a drive-thru, brush-less, self service type. And I must admit, the wash cycle is a very high pressure spray. High enough for the water/soap to creep it's way through the mirror backing, apparently. Who would have guessed.
But I like using this car wash. It has a bottom blaster that works great. And covers the entire length and width of the chassis. Really powerful.
Since I want to keep using this car wash, I'll slip on and tie a pair of winter mittens made for the 4R to the mirrors and fold them inward before entering the wash.

So I believe the mystery is solved. Here are pics of the second pair of mirrors: