BEIJING -- Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motor Co Ltd is to recall 18,135 defective automobiles, China's consumer quality watchdog said on Tuesday.

The recall, to start on Tuesday, will involve some of the K5 automobiles produced between September 7, 2012 and December 31, 2012, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

Dongfeng Yueda Kia is a joint venture of Kia, an automobile maker from the Republic of Korea, with two Chinese companies, Dongfeng Motor Corp, a leading Chinese automaker and Jiangsu Yueda Investment Co Ltd.

Some of the wheel hubs may break if tyre pressures are not sufficient, the statement said, adding the company will replace the faulty parts free of charge for car owners.