BEIJING - Changan Ford Automobile Co. Ltd., a joint venture between China's Changan Automobile and American automaker Ford, on Monday started to recall 19,070 vehicles due to a risk of fire in defective starter motors.

The recall involves 2019 Escort models manufactured between Sept 1, 2018, and Dec 15, 2018, the State Administration for Market Regulation said Monday in a statement on its website.

A short circuit could occur in starter motors of defective vehicles, leading to fire risks and safety hazards, said the administration.

Changan Ford will replace the defective parts free of charge, it said.