BEIJING - Mercedes-Benz on Saturday began recalling 16,301 imported cars in China over a brake booster problem, according to China's consumer quality authority.

Mercedes-Benz (China) Automotive Sales Co has filed the plan to recall some of its A-class, B-class and CLA-class cars, manufactured between February 2012 and April 2013, with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The brake booster vacuum line may break due to a weak connector and then cause gradual loss of brake boosting capacity, posing a hazard to people in the vehicle.

The company will replace faulty parts free of charge.