1985 Mercury Lynx Problems
- Complaints
- 5filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1985 Mercury Lynx (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1985 Mercury Lynx. The part named most often is electrical system, with 3 complaints (60% of the total), followed by engine cooling (1) and seat belts (1). Of all complaints, 3 a fire, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Engine cooling complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system3 60%
- Engine cooling1 20%
- Seat belts1 20%
Complaints by year filed
Fewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1985 Mercury Lynx version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lynx FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 29 | 39 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 24 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Lynx FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Lynx Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 23 | 32 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Lynx Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 32 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Lynx Wagon FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Lynx Wagon FWD | 1.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
7 more EPA-rated versions are not shown.
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 89V170000Oct 13, 1989SeatsCovers: Mercury Lynx 1985–1987, Ford Escort 1985–1987
The forward outboard pedestal of the seat track of driver's seat may be susceptible to fatigue fracture.
- 89V095000Jun 12, 1989Engine and engine cooling › EngineCovers: Mercury Lynx 1984–1985, Ford Escort 1984–1985, EXP 1984
External cracks above the number 3 cylinder (1984 models) or rocker arm cover gaskets splitting (1985 models) could allow oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold.
- 85V054000May 1, 1985Vehicle speed controlCovers: Mercury Lynx 1985, Ford Escort 1985
The throttle lever may not return to idle position due to misalignment of the air conditioner shut off switch to the throttle lever pin. Consequence of defect: a jammed throttle could result in a loss of accelerator control, without prior warning, and an…
Recall details for the 1985 Mercury Lynx → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1985 Mercury Lynx.
Other model years of the Mercury Lynx
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 5 | — | 2 | — | 26 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 5 | — | 3 | — | 27 | — | Not enough data |
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1985 Mercury Lynx have?
NHTSA recorded 5 consumer complaints for the 1985 Mercury Lynx as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1985 Mercury Lynx is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 3 complaints (60% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 1.
Has the 1985 Mercury Lynx been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1985 Mercury Lynx get?
The EPA rates the 1985 Mercury Lynx (Lynx, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.