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1985 Mercury LynxProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 1985 Mercury Lynx, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 3 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Free fix at dealersOwner complaints53 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 30, 2001. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Mercury Lynx has problems

5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system33
Engine and engine cooling10
Seat belts10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

1985 Mercury Lynx recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Seats

Recall 89V-170 · Oct 13, 1989 · 1,375,500 vehicles

Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LIMITED DEGREE OF ROCKING MOTIONOF THE DRIVERS SEAT ASSEMBLY UPON ACCELERATION OR DECELERATION, WHICH COULDCAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Engine and engine cooling: engine

Recall 89V-095 · Jun 12, 1989 · 481,049 vehicles

Risk. ENGINE OIL LEAKING ONTO A HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD COULDRESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mercury.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other Lynx year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Lynx median. How we score

'81'82'83'84'85'86'87
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
8 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Mercury Lynx, and the recalls they led to.

  1. REAR SEAT BELT COMPLIANCEDP88007 · closed Aug 24, 1988
    No recall
  2. SEATBACK FAILUREEA86010 · closed Jul 28, 1989
    Led to recall 86V-082
  3. FIRESEA87005 · closed Oct 31, 1989
    Led to recall 89V-095
  4. SEAT TRACKSEA87023 · closed Nov 16, 1989
    Led to recall 89V-170
  5. REAR SAFETY BELT FITEA88038 · closed May 11, 1990
    No recall
  6. FIRESPE86048 · closed Dec 1, 1986
    No recall
  7. SEAT TRACK FAILUREPE87026 · closed Sep 24, 1987
    No recall
  8. STALLINGPE87028 · closed Jan 21, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What Lynx owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

UPON PARKING AND WALKING IN HOME, DRIVER HEARD HORN AND SAW WINDSHIELD WIPERS MOTION. VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Complaint 983837 · Apr 30, 1996
WK [PHONE]; WHILE DRIVING OWNER NOTICED BURNING SMELL. PARKED VEHICLE AND FLAMES BEGAN FROM DASH BY DOOR. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Complaint 982970 · Apr 18, 1996

Own a 1985 Lynx?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.