BEIJING — Volkswagen will recall 512 vehicles in China over defective air bags, the country's quality watchdog said Wednesday.

The recall was filed by FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co Ltd and Volkswagen Group Import Co Ltd to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ).

Starting from Jan 31, the two companies will recall 467 domestically produced Audi Q3 manufactured between Nov 7 and Dec 3, 2016, and 45 imported Sharan models produced between Sept 13 and Sept 28, 2016, respectively, according to AQSIQ.

The defective air bags in those cars may reduce protection for users and pose potential safety risks, AQSIQ said.

The company will replace the faulty parts free of charge.

FAW-Volkswagen is a Jilin-based joint venture between Chinese automaker FAW Group and Germany's Volkswagen Group.