BEIJING - Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., a 50-50 joint venture between China's Dongfeng Motor Corporation and Japan's Honda Motor Company, will recall over 400,000 CR-V sport utility vehicles (SUVs) because of piston rod defects, China's head of quality control said Tuesday.

The vehicles, produced between March 2, 2010 and August 30, 2012, have a possible crack in the piston rods on the front fender which may cause a safety issue, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said.

The company will begin the recall on Aug. 30, offering to inspect the vehicles and change any defective piston rods free of charge.