Mercedes-Benz recalls vehicles in China

German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz will recall 127,071 cars in China starting on March 13 due to a fire risk, China's top quality watchdog said Monday.

The recall involves the CLS-Class and E-Class vehicles imported to China, as well as some E-Class cars manufactured by the Beijing Benz Automotive Co., Ltd, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said in a statement.

It was issued after a sealing strip for the engine cabin was found coming loose in some vehicles, which could lead to an engine fire if the strip falls on hot engine parts, the statement said.

Affected vehicles were manufactured between 2012 and 2014. Mercedes-Benz China and Beijing Benz will check them and replace defective parts free of charge.

The AQSIQ said in a separate statement Monday that Mercedes-Benz China will also recall 705 of its G-Class luxury sport utility vehicles as of March 9 due to a steering problem.