BEIJING -- Mercedes-Benz China will recall 1,525 cars because of faulty fuel tank vent valves, the country's consumer quality watchdog said on Friday.

The company has decided to recall its imported B180 and B200 models produced between Feb 28 and Oct 8 this year, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, or?AQSIQ.

It is possible that vent valves in the fuel tank could loosen if the vehicle is operated with gasoline blended with 15 percent methanol-gasoline for a certain length of time.

It could result in slight fuel leakage via the valves, which could be a safety concern, the company said.

The recall will start on Dec 26, and Mercedes-Benz China will offer free vehicle checks and install new fuel tanks if necessary, the AQSIQ said.

Affected vehicles that are still in stock will not be sold until they are repaired.