Toyota to recall 142,592 imported vehicles in China

Japanese carmaker Toyota will recall 142,592 imported vehicles across China's mainland due to its defective airbags, the country's quality watchdog said today.

The recall affects 26,468 Lexus IS made between January 26, 2006 and December 27, 2011; 112,825 Lexus ES sedans produced between December 12, 2005 and December 28, 2011; and 3,299 Lexus GX460 SUVs manufactured between December 1, 2010 and December 28, 2011, General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

A defect has been found with the gas generating agent of the affected vehicles. So, when the passenger airbags inflate, the gas generators inside may get damaged, state-run Xinhua quoted the statement as saying.

Toyota has promised to replace the defective parts free of charge.