Mercedes-Benz Korea, the local importer of German Daimler AG's luxury car brand, is recalling 16,504 E-class and CLS sedans sold here because of engine problems that could spark a fire, the transportation ministry said Sunday.
  

The recall mostly affects 13 E-class and CLS sedans, including E-300, E-350, E-400, CLS 350 and CLS 400 sedans, from July 2012 to December 2014, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
  

It said a rubber seal designed to muffle noise and vibration can stick to the engine when the driver tries to open the hood and increases the risk of a fire.
  

Free repair services will be provided at all Mercedes-Benz Korea service centers throughout the country starting Monday. (Yonhap)