BEIJING - German carmaker Mercedes-Benz have begun a recalling of 39,579 cars in China over safety concerns, according to China's top quality watchdog.

The recall, filed by Mercedes-Benz (China) Automotive Sales Co and Beijing Benz Automotive Co involved 2,371 imported C-class and E-class vehicles made between April 7, 2015, and July 20, 2018, and 37,208 domestically-made C-class and E-class vehicles made between Sept 18, 2014 and Aug 27, 2018, according to a statement on the website of the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Due to defective production process by suppliers, lock nuts on the steering racks may crack and affect the operation of steering wheels in the cars, posing potential safety hazards, the statement said.

The carmaker promised to replace the defective parts free of charge.