BEIJING - German automaker Mercedes-Benz will recall 50,144 Smart cars in China after they were found to have a defective belt drive, China's top quality watchdog said Friday.

Smart 52kW micro hybrid drive (mhd) models from 2009 to 2014 will be recalled starting on Aug 22, according to a statement from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Vibration from the engine caused the belt drive transmission system to fail in some vehicles, causing engine damage in more serious cases, the statement said.

The company's China branch will check all vehicles manufactured between Aug 27, 2008 and March 21, 2014 replacing problematic parts and upgrading the transmission system to eradicate potential hazards.

Earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz announced that it will recall 57,843 petrol-powered Smart Fortwo vehicles in China starting from Aug 22 due to a problems with the warm water shut-off valve.

Mercedes-Benz cuts spare-part prices on anti-monopoly probe	Mercedes shows off new 'smarts'2