1998 Explorer Van Chevrolet Astro Recall: ON CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH RUNNING BOARDS SUPPLIED BY…
NHTSA campaign 03V016000 · Structure · filed Jan 23, 2003 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
ON CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS EQUIPPED WITH RUNNING BOARDS SUPPLIED BY PRODESIGN, INC., THAT INCORPORATE A COURTESY LIGHT, EXPOSURE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE AND ROAD SALT, A HIGH RESISTANCE ARC CAN OCCUR IN THE WIRING OF THE COURTESY LIGHT. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE LIGHT WIRES CAN OVERHEAT TO THE POINT WHERE THEY MAY MELT THE RUNNING BOARD.
The risk
THIS COULD POTENTIALLY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COURTESY LIGHT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 23, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT EXPLORER VAN AT 1-800-926-7878.
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Affected vehicles
| Make | Model | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| Explorer Van | Chevrolet Astro | 1998 |
Related recalls
Other campaigns involving Explorer Van vehicles
All Explorer Van Chevrolet Astro recalls → · All Explorer Van recalls →
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 03V016000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.