BEIJING -- Beijing Benz Automotive Co Ltd began on Wednesday recalling GLA and E class vehicles in China due to problematic airbags and active safety systems, the quality supervisor said.

The company has filed a plan to recall 16 GLA vehicles manufactured between Feb 6, 2017 and Feb 15, 2017, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The model in question may have a faulty airbag system, which may not function when collisions occur as extra parts could prevent the deployment of airbags.

The company has also started to recall seven E class vehicles manufactured between March 8 and March 9, 2017 due to defects with the electronic stability program that could cause serious safety problems.

The company will replace faulty parts free of charge.

Global and Chinese automakers recalled 4.49 million defective vehicles in the first five months of this year, compared with 11.34 million in all of 2016.