BEIJING - Volvo (China) Investment Co Ltd will recall a total of 279 imported FM and FH trucks and chassis due to defects with heat shields, the nation's top consumer quality watchdog said Friday.

The heat shields could crack and lead to short circuits in starter motors if they hit the motors, a statement on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said.

The models to be recalled were produced between November 14, 2011 and May 27, 2012, according to the statement.

The company will offer free checks and repairs to the recalled vehicles, the statement said.