BEIJING - US automaker Ford Motor Company will recall 409 vehicles in the Chinese mainland as part of a worldwide recall due to a fuel tank defect, China's consumer quality watchdog said on Wednesday.

The recall will start from July 15. It will include imported Ford Explorer vehicles produced between January 31, 2012 and January 10, 2013, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

A fuel delivery module in the fuel tank may crack and leak after long-term use, possibly resulting in a fire in the presence of an ignition source, the statement said.

Authorized Ford dealers in China will contact relevant consumers and replace the faulty parts, the statement said.