Mercedes recalls 1 million cars over potential fire risk

Mercedes-Benz is rcalling one million newer-model vehicles worldwide due to the risk of fire, after 51 fires were reported.

Owners of 75,000 Mercedes cars in the UK could be affected by a global recall of several models following reports of fires, according to reports. There are no details as yet on the number of cars that may be affected in Ireland.

An issue with some starter components in cars made between 2015 and 2017 is thought to cause them to overheat.

The fire risk has prompted Mercedes owner Daimler to recall around a million vehicles worldwide, covering certain A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class and CLA cars and GLA and GLC SUVs.

There have been reports of 51 fires, with about 30 in the US.

No injuries or deaths have been reported. Daimler said the starting current limiter could overload under “unique” conditions where a driver repeatedly tries to start their car when the engine has seized up.

A Mercedes spokesman told Car Dealer magazine: "There are potentially 75,000 cars in the UK which will be affected by the recall. This is a recall which is yet to be issued." The magazine said owners will be contacted in March.

A fix has been implemented in the production of new vehicles and vehicles on dealers lots will be fixed before they are sold, the company said. The issue relates to a potentially faulty fuse. "Any affected vehicles in inventory will not be sold until they can be outfitted with the additional fuse," said a Mercedes-Benz spokesman. Of the million vehicles to be recalled, 307,629 are in the United States, which is 40,000 units less than Mercedes-Benz reported to US regulators.

Additional reporting: Reuters/PA