BEIJING - (Xinhua) -- China's National Market Regulatory Authority, the country's top quality-monitoring body, said Mercedes-Benz (China) Automotive Sales has started recalling more than 10,000 imported cars from the Chinese market due to safety concerns.

The authority added that the recall, which the company sent to the authority, includes 11,212 GLE SUV and GLS SUV cars that were manufactured between October 28, 2018 and November 8, 2021, in addition to 660 EQS cars that were produced between September 3, 2021 and November 25, 2021.

The company will start recalling defective GLE and GLS SUVs from August 15, as the vehicle's storage battery ground cable may not work properly, which could lead to fire hazards.

Recalls of defective EQS vehicles will begin from September 1, as the bolts on the tow stabilizers on the vehicle's front and rear bumpers may not meet specifications, which could create a safety hazard.

The company promised to check, repair or replace the defective parts free of charge.