BEIJING - US automaker Chrysler will recall 4,783vehicles exported to China to fix defective fuel tanks that could pose safety risks, China's top quality watchdog said on Friday.

The recall affects Chrysler's Compass and Patriot models manufactured between Oct 18, 2011 and May 7, 2012, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

Due to a manufacturing defect, the siphon in the cars' fuel tanks may fail to deliver fuel, causing the engine to stop in case of high temperatures, altitude or fuel vapor pressure, according to the statement.

The company will replace the siphon free of charge, with the recall starting from July 8.