Mercedes recalls 16,000 autos

Authorities recalled more than 16,000 Mercedes-Benz vehicles to check for a risk of engine fires, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on Sunday.

The cars being recalled are 16,504 vehicles, most of which are versions of the CLS-class sedan and the E-class sedan and wagon that were imported from July 2 to Dec. 1, 2012.

The affected cars are Mercedes-Benz models E300, E200 CGI, E350 4MATIC, E350 and E400 4MATIC. The models CLS350, CLS400, CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC and CLS 63AMG S 4MATIC are also affected.

The problem involves an engine compartment seal designed to lessen vibration and noise. The rubber seal could fall into the engine when the hood is closed and spark a fire.

Mercedes-Benz Korea will start notifying owners of affected cars on Monday. The owners won’t be charged for fixing the problem. Customers who had the problem fixed can ask for compensation.

It has not been long since the car maker recalled about 149,000 vehicles in Europe and China over similar issues.

Mercedes-Benz also announced the recall of 147,224 CLS-class and E-class vehicles, made between 2013 and 2015, in the United States in February.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]