BEIJING - Toyota will recall 142,592 imported vehicles across Chinese mainland due to defective airbags, the country's quality watchdog said Tuesday.

The recall affects 26,468 Lexus IS made between Jan 26, 2006 and Dec 27, 2011; 112,825 Lexus ES sedans produced between Dec 12, 2005 and Dec 28, 2011; and 3,299 Lexus GX460 SUVs manufactured between Dec 1, 2010 and Dec 28, 2011, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

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, said the statement.

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