Peugeot, Citroen cars recalled in China

China's consumer quality watchdog announced Friday that 655 imported Peugeot and 63,301 Citroen C5 cars will be recalled in China starting this month.

As of Friday, Peugeot Citroen China will recall Peugeot's 207CC, 3008 and RCZ models produced between June 2010 and March 2011, according to a statement released by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The cars' engine pistons may be damaged from excessive mechanical force, which may lead to weak acceleration and engine damage, the statement said.

The company will solve the problem by upgrading the cars' computer software free of charge. Authorized maintenance stations will contact affected car owners, the statement said.

According to another statement, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Company, a Sino-French joint venture, will recall 63,301 Citroen C5 cars produced from Sept. 11, 2009 to Oct. 14, 2011 starting Saturday.

The massive recall is due to defective rear axle bolts that may break under extreme circumstances and pose potential safety hazards. The joint venture will check the affected vehicles to eliminate possible hazards, the statement said.