BEIJING - Ford (China) will recall 6,251 cars in China due to defective rear suspension, China's top quality watchdog said on Friday.

The recall, starting Oct 31, involves imported Ford Explorer models manufactured between Jan 17, 2014 and May 31, 2014, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in two separate statements on its website.

There are concerns that the connecting arms of the rear suspension of affected vehicles may crack and cause steering control failure, which could pose a safety threat in extreme cases, according to the statements.

Ford said it would replace the defective parts free of charge.