BEIJING - Toyota and its Chinese joint ventures will recall 313,712 automobiles across the Chinese mainland due to defective airbags, according to the country's quality watchdog.

The recall was filed by Tianjin FAW Toyota Motor, SFTM Changchun Fengyue, GAC Toyota Motor and Toyota Motor (China) Investment to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).

A defect has been found in the gas generator of the airbags of the affected vehicles, which may result in safety problems, said the AQSIQ in a statement.

The recall will affect models including Corolla EX, Corolla, Vios, Yaris and Leahead produced by Toyota's Chinese joint ventures, as well as Alphard vehicles imported by Toyota Motor (China) Investment.

The automakers will replace the gas generators in airbags for the affected vehicles free of charge.