Mercedes-Benz will recall about 555 sedans in China for steering defects, China's quality watchdog said Wednesday.

The front shock absorber of those sedans may fail to operate because of manufacturing flaws and lead to steering problems, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The recall effects vehicles produced before Aug. 15, 2006. Mercedes-Benz dealers would check and replace flawed shock absorbers free of charge, the administration said.

More than 1.84 million vehicles have been recalled in China by 54 foreign and domestic auto makers from 2004 to 2008.

(Xinhua News Agency February 18, 2009)