Mercedes-Benz to recall a million cars over fire-risk

Daimler AG is set to recall a million Mercedes-Benz vehicles worldwide after 51 fires were reported in newer model cars.

Over 300,000 of the recalled cars, which include 2017 models, were sold in the US and Mercedes-Benz told Reuters that it did not currently have a breakdown of the nations where the other cars would be recalled.

A represebntative of Mercedes-Benz UK told AM that around 75,000 cars would be effected by remedial action in the UK, however, including A-Class, B-Class, CLA-Class, GLA-Class, C-Class, E-Class and GLC-Class models.

The spokesman said: "The fault relates to vehicles that may have already sustained some damage."

He said that, under some circumstances "such as a hydro-locked engine, for example", and following repeated attempts to start a vehicle which had suffered a fault, the starting cicuit could overload, causing it to overheat.

Customers in the US will be informed of the recalls taking place across the Atlantic this month, Reuters' report stated, adding that work on affected cars in the US will begin in July when parts will become available for a fix.

A recall has yet to be officially confirmed in the UK, but AM understands that preparartions are taking place.

Reuters said that, of the 51 fires involving Mercedes-Benz cars, 30 were reported in the US.