1983 Mercury Lynx problems
The North American version of the Ford Escort is a range of cars that was sold by Ford from the 1981 to 2003 model years. The direct successor of the Ford Pinto, the Escort also largely overtook the role of the European-imported Ford Fiesta as the smallest vehicle in the Ford model line in North America. Produced across three generations, the first generation was a subcompact; the latter two generations were compact cars. Becoming highly successful in the marketplace, the Escort became the best-selling car in the United States after 1982, a position it would hold for much of the 1980s.
Produced across three generations, the Escort was the first world car developed by Ford, with the first-generation American Escort designed alongside Ford of Europe, who transitioned the Escort Mk III to front-wheel drive. During its production, the Escort also underwent a wide use of platform sharing and rebranding. The first generation served as the basis of the longer-wheelbase Ford Tempo/Mercury Topaz, the two-seat Ford EXP/Mercury LN7 and was rebranded as the Mercury Lynx. The second generation was introduced for 1991, growing into the compact segment. Moving away from a shared design with Ford of Europe, the Escort now shared a platform with the Mazda 323 and sharing a body with the Ford Laser (a model line sold in Asia and Oceania); the Mercury Lynx was replaced by the Mercury Tracer. For 1997, the third generation served as an extensive redesign of the previous-generation sedan; the Escort ZX2 two-door was introduced, with the Mercury Tracer adopting a similar redesign.
Ford introduced the Ford Focus in North America for 2000 as its third "world car", phasing it in as the successor of the Escort. After 2000, the four-door Escort was moved primarily to fleet sales (with the coupe remaining available); production ended entirely after the 2002 model year. In contrast to the first-generation American Escort and Escort Mk III of Ford of Europe (and the Mondeo/Contour and Mercury Mystique), the Focus adopted a much larger degree of commonality between its European and North American variants, in effect, becoming the original world car Ford had originally envisioned with the Escort.
During its entire production, the Escort was produced by Wayne Stamping & Assembly in (Wayne, Michigan) and the first generation was also produced by Edison Assembly in (Edison, New Jersey), San Jose Assembly Plant in (Milpitas, California), and Oakville Assembly in (Oakville, Ontario, Canada) while the second and third generations were also produced by Hermosillo Stamping and Assembly in (Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico).
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Common 1983 Mercury Lynx problems
The Mercury Lynx, introduced in 1983, was a Mercurized version of the Ford Escort. While it was praised for its affordability and fuel efficiency, there were several common problems reported by owners.
- Transmission Problems: The automatic transmission in the Lynx was known to have issues, particularly with slipping and jerking. This was a problem that could be expensive to fix, as it often required a complete transmission rebuild.
- Engine Issues: The 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine in the Lynx was known to have issues with overheating, which could lead to blown head gaskets or cracked heads. This was a particular problem with the diesel engine option, which was available from 1983-1987.
- Suspension and Steering Issues: Some owners reported issues with the suspension and steering, including a loose or wandering steering feel, and a rough ride. These issues were often attributed to worn or damaged suspension components, such as bushings, struts, and tie rods.
- Interior Quality Issues: Some owners reported issues with the interior quality, including cheap plastics and poor fit and finish. This was a common issue with many cars of the era, and the Lynx was no exception.
- Electrical Issues: Some owners reported issues with the electrical system, including problems with the lights, windows, and other electrical components. These issues were often attributed to worn or damaged wiring, or to blown fuses.
- Poor Fuel Efficiency: While the Lynx was praised for its fuel efficiency, some owners reported poor fuel economy, particularly in city driving. This was often attributed to issues with the engine, transmission, or other mechanical components.
In conclusion, while the Mercury Lynx was praised for its affordability and fuel efficiency, it was not without its problems. Rusting, transmission issues, engine problems, suspension and steering issues, interior quality issues, electrical issues, and poor fuel efficiency were all common complaints from Lynx owners. These issues could be expensive to fix, and often required regular maintenance to prevent.
What is the Ford version of the Mercury Lynx?
Ford Escort
The first-generation Ford Escort was marketed by Lincoln-Mercury as the Mercury Lynx. The successor to the Mercury Bobcat, the Lynx also adopted a nameplate derived from big cats.
How many miles per gallon does a 1984 Mercury Lynx get?
39 combined
Find and Compare Cars
| 1984 Mercury Lynx | |
|---|---|
| Personalize Find a car | Diesel Vehicle 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Manual 5-spd Compare |
| Fuel Economy | |
| EPA MPG | Diesel 39 combined city/highway MPG 35 city 47 highway 2.6 gals/100 miles |
What years were the Mercury Lynx made?
The Mercury Lynx is a compact car sold by Ford, it is similar to the American Ford Escort, it was built from 1981-87, and replaced by the Mazda-built Mercury Tracer.
Who made the Lynx car?
Ford Motor Company engineers
Lynx is a car with world-class technology, designed and developed by Ford Motor Company engineers from all over the world. But it's built in America to meet America's needs, as last year's success clearly shows.
What is the Ford version of the Mercury Lynx?
Ford Escort
The first-generation Ford Escort was marketed by Lincoln-Mercury as the Mercury Lynx. The successor to the Mercury Bobcat, the Lynx also adopted a nameplate derived from big cats.
What years were the Mercury Lynx made?
The Mercury Lynx is a compact car sold by Ford, it is similar to the American Ford Escort, it was built from 1981-87, and replaced by the Mazda-built Mercury Tracer.
Who made the Lynx car?
Ford Motor Company engineers
Lynx is a car with world-class technology, designed and developed by Ford Motor Company engineers from all over the world. But it's built in America to meet America's needs, as last year's success clearly shows.
Why did Ford stop Mercury?
Ford completely phased out the Mercury brand in 2011, as the company refocused its marketing and engineering efforts solely on the Ford and Lincoln brands. “Mercury has been a tremendous line for Ford Motor Company because it filled the niche between our Ford and Lincoln lineups,” said Kreipke.
1983 Mercury Lynx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mercury Lynx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1983 Mercury Lynx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1983 Mercury Lynx complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1983 Mercury Lynx.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCEING NUMEROUS ENGINE STALL CONDITIONS, VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER, BUT DEALER COULD NOT REMEDY PROBLEM, MANUFACTURER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY HAVE BEEN INFORMED. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE EXPERIENCEING NUMEROUS ENGINE STALL CONDITIONS, VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALER, BUT DEALER COULD NOT REMEDY PROBLEM, MANUFACTURER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY HAVE BEEN INFORMED. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1983-02-13
- VIN: 1MEBP5429DT
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE WILL CUT OFF. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER WHERE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE TFI MOUDLE HAD FAILED, CONSUMER HAS HAD TO REPLACE 3 TIMES. *AK *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-31
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE. *DH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-03
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1MEBP6141DR
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FIRE IN THE IGNITION SWITCH. *AK
1983 Mercury Lynx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1983 Mercury Lynx.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
- Summary: REAR SEAT BELT RETRACTORS MAY ALLOW TWISTED WEBBING TO ENTER THE RETRACTOR HOUSING AND JAM THE RETRACTOR. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: A JAMMED RETRACTOR WOULD INTERFERE WITH WEBBING RETRACTION AND WITHDRAWAL. THIS WILL DISCOURAGE SEAT BELT USAGE.
- Remedy: A CLIP WILL BE INSERTED INTO THE RETRACTOR HOUSING WEBBING TO PREVENT JAMMING.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: SEAT FRAME STRUCTURE COULD SEVER FRONT SEAT BELTS IF VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, DEPENDING ON FORCE OF IMPACT.
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A MOLDED SPACER BETWEEN REINFORCEMENT PLATES AND LOWER DECORATIVE PLASTIC COVER.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
- Summary: DOOR LOCK PILLARS COULD DEVELOP FATIGUE CRACKS FROM NORMAL USAGE OF DOOR, AT THE POINT WHERE DOOR LATCH STRIKER REINFORCEMENTS ARE ATTACHED.
- Remedy: ANY DAMAGED LOCK PILLARS WILL BE REPAIRED AND REINFORCEMENTS WILL BE INSTALLED BETWEEN THE DOOR LATCH STRIKER AND LOCK PILLARS.
- Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: DURING A CRASH BARRIER TEST, THE RUBBER HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL TANK AND THE METAL FILLER PIPE VENT TUBE WAS CUT, RESULTING IN FUEL LEAKAGE. THE INVOLVED VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY".
- Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL A BRACE BETWEEN THE RIGHT SIDE REAR QUARTER PANEL AND THE BODY SIDE RAIL TO IMPROVE FUEL TANK IMPACT RESISTANCE.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1983 Mercury Lynx problems:
Q&A: Troubleshooting 83 Lincoln Mark IV Starting Issue
Jun 9, 2008 ... The most common problem with a no start on ... LINCOLN-MERCURY: 1983 MARK VI 1983-86 CAPRI 1983-87 LYNX ... ISSUE: A new diagnostic procedure for ...
Cohort Outtake: 1984-1987 Mercury Lynx Diesel - A Clattering ...
Feb 12, 2019 ... That tail light is for the 1983-early 1985 Lynx ... Mercury Lynx as my 3rd ... A transmission problem developed where the car would pop out of gear.
Junkyard Find: 1983 Mercury Lynx L Wagon | The Truth About Cars
Aug 27, 2018 ... ... known as the Lynx. Escort wagons are rare now (though I have shot a couple during my junkyard wanderings), so I did a double-take when I saw ...
COAL: 1978 Datsun B210, 1983 Toyota Tercel, 1982 Mercury LN7 ...
Mar 29, 2015 ... I was beginning to get sick of this car. mercury 1983 _ln7_red_1982 ... I soon noticed a transmission problem. The ... The Mercury Lynx and LN-7 ...
PO hotwired Fuel Pump in a 89 | Bronco Forum - Full Size Ford ...
Oct 22, 2010 ... This is a common problem in all pre-'92 EFI F-series & Broncos. ... MERCURY: 1983-1987 LYNX 1983-1990 COUGAR ... We ran into some problems. Please ...
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