Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (FHI)'s Subaru logo is displayed at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show in Tokyo, Japan, November 2, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

BEIJING - Subaru will recall 13,336 imported vehicles?in the Chinese mainland due to defective airbags, the country's quality watchdog said Tuesday.

The recall, set to begin on Jan 16, 2017, affects Legacy cars made between Feb 2, 2004 and May 18, 2009, Outback vehicles manufactured between Jan 28, 2004 and May 21, 2009 and Tribeca cars made between June 22, 2006 and June 17, 2011, according to the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

When the passenger airbags of the affected vehicles inflate, the gas generators inside may become damaged and cause flying debris, posing safety risks to passengers, said the statement.

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