The 1981 Mercury Lynx has 6 recalls, the most serious involving multiple fire risks: fuel can leak from a punctured tank, a static spark at the fuel filler opening can ignite fuel vapors during refueling, and on air-conditioned models, chafed wiring near the hood bracket can short and start an engine compartment fire.
On vehicles equipped with optional automatic speed control, fuel migrating into the vacuum lines can cause the system to activate on its own, leading to unintended gradual acceleration. There is also a seating concern on models with optional front seat recliners: a shoulder screw attaching the driver's seat back frame can develop a fatigue fracture, potentially causing the seat back to collapse. On the structural side, this recall only affects two-door models: fatigue cracks can develop in the door lock pillars where the front door latch striker is mounted, weakening the attachment to the point where the door may not stay securely closed.