China recalls 186,790 Toyota defective compact cars

BEIJING - More than 186,000 Toyota compact sedans will be recalled in China starting Thursday due to defective airbags, according to the country's market regulator.

The recall, filed by Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co, will involve 35,635 Corolla vehicles manufactured in 2014, and 151,155 Corolla EX vehicles manufactured between 2014 and 2017, the State Administration for Market Regulation said in a statement.

The airbags for the passenger seats, produced by Japanese manufacturer Takata, have defective inflators that can fracture and send potentially fatal shrapnel into passengers when airbags are deployed, the administration said.

Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor Co promises to replace the defective airbag inflators free of charge.

Defective Takata airbags have been linked to a number of deaths and injuries worldwide, prompting massive recalls throughout the world.