Mercedes-Benz is to recall 22,355 cars in the UK due to a potential problem with the power steering on its C-Class and E-Class models.

Saloon and estate variants on the C-Class and saloon, estate, coupe and convertible E-Class models built between June 2009 and February 2010 are affected.

There are 85,000 Mercedes cars affected by the recall globally.

Mercedes-Benz said the problem involved fluid being lost from the power assisted steering system.

Rob Halloway, Mercedes-Benz UK PR manager, told Sky News: "We are checking every single car and writing to all affected owners inviting them to bring their vehicles in to their local dealer.

"This is purely a precautionary matter and we are not aware of any incidents or accidents as a result of the problem."

Customers are being invited to contact their local dealer to get a free 30 minute repair to fix the problem.