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1986 Mercury LynxProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 1986 Mercury Lynx, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints52 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 22, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 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 system32
Visibility20
Exterior lighting10
Seat belts10
Structure10

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

2 recalls

1986 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

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 87V-139 · Sep 4, 1987 · 3,600,000 vehicles

Risk. COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A…

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

1986 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
7 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 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. SEAT TRACK FAILUREPE87026 · closed Sep 24, 1987
    No recall
  7. 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.

WHILE PARKED NEXT TO GARAGE, STARTED UP ENGINE, LEFT IN PARK, RETURNED, FLAMES WERE SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDERHOOD, USED PAILS OF WATER TO PUT OUT FIRE, CAUSE UNKNOWN, NOT INSPECTED BY DEALER OR FIRE DEPARTMENT. *AK
Complaint 808627 · Feb 4, 1997
ALTERNATOR WIRING HARNESS HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE TWICE, ONCE WHILE DRIVING AND THE SECOND TIME WHILE PARKED. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. *AK
Complaint 804202 · Oct 29, 1996

Own a 1986 Lynx?

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