Mercedes cars recalled over steering

Mercedes is to recall more than 22,000 cars because of potential power steering problems.

The recall affects C- and E-class cars made between June last year and February this year.

Mercedes Benz UK spokesman Rob Halloway said the move, in which 22,355 vehicles were to be recalled, was “precautionary”.

Mr Halloway said the problem related to a small bolt in the power steering pump which, if loose, could result in sluggish or heavy steering.

He said: “We are checking every single car and writing to all affected owners inviting them to bring their vehicles in to their local dealer.

“This is purely a precautionary matter and we are not aware of any incidents or accidents as a result of the problem.”

The repair would take no longer than 30 minutes, he added.

Mercedes estimates that only 1 per cent of the total number of cars to be recalled might be affected.

The move comes after Mercedes announced that it was to recall more than 80,000 cars worldwide for the same problem.

More than 10,000 BMW cars were recalled in the UK earlier this month because of a braking problem.