Mercedes-Benz recalls diesel cars for a problem with the fuel filter

Mercedes-Benz is recalling nearly 7,000 diesel vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 model years to fix a possible defect with the diesel filter that could cause it to leak fuel.

Mercedes said it is concerned that a crash or a fire could ensue in the event of a fuel leak from the area around the heating component in affected vehicles.

The recall will involve an estimated 6,782 vehicles. It covers:

-- 2011 E-class models built from July 2010 through February 2011

-- R-class models built from April 2010 through April 2011

-- ML-class models built from January 2010 through March 2011

-- GL-class models built from March 2010 through March 2011

-- 2012-model-year S-class vehicles

Mercedes will start notifying owners in November to take their vehicles to dealerships for a free inspection and replacement of the fuel filter if necessary.

By Michelle Koueiter