Japanese car maker Toyota will call back 15,865 imported Lexus vehicles in China because of defective airbags, the Chinese General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine announced (ASDIQ).

The recall will affect an estimated 4,865 imported Lexus IS250/IS250C models manufactured between Jan. 6, 2012 and Sept. 28, 2012; 9,449 imported Lexus ES240/ES350 cars produced from Jan. 6, 2012 to June 5, 2012; 1,557 imported Lenovo GX400/GX460 cars made from Jan. 6, 2012 to Sept. 6, 2012; and three imported Lexus LFA manufactured between Jan. 17, 2011 and Nov. 13, 2012.

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China's quality watchdogs discovered a defect in the gas generator of the airbags that may pose danger to its passengers. 

The recall of the IS, ES, and LFA will begin on June 30, while the GX model on Dec. 31. Toyota said the replacement of the defective parts will be free of charge.

Volkswagen, earlier this month, has also announced it will recall 49,480 units in China beginning Feb. 6 because of brake design defects.  The company will recall imported Beetles made from July 1, 2012 to Aug. 6, 2015 and imported Golf Variant between July 1, 2012 and July 6, 2013.

Quality watchdogs said a glitch in the noise filter could cause difficulty with breaking when the affected units are in cruise control. The ASDIQ said the defect pose a "hidden safety risk."

For now, the automaker advised car owners to stop using the cruise control system. Volkswagen will fix and replace the affected parts for free.

TagsToyota, Toyota Recall, Toyota Lexus, Lexus recall