Japanese automaker Toyota?exibits at the China Beijing Imported Auto Expo on Oct 31, 2011. [Wu Changqing/Asianewsphoto]

BEIJING -- Japanese automaker Toyota will recall more than 160,000 RAV4 sport utility vehicles sold in China due to a problem with the vehicles' rear suspension, the country's consumer quality watchdog said Friday.

The recall will affect 13,474 vehicles produced between July 21, 2005 and Nov 28, 2008, as well as 147,310 vehicles manufactured between February 6, 2009 and Oct 31, 2010, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine said in a statement.

Nuts on the lower swing arms of the vehicles' rear suspension may become loose, causing adjusting levers to disconnect from the swing arms and cause safety risks, the statement said.

The company will replace any lower swing arms that are found to have loose nuts.

The recall will begin on Sept 3.