Japanese automaker Honda said on Thursday that it will recall 693,497 Fit, Freed and City models globally because of a faulty spring that could lead to engine malfunction, though no accidents related to the fault have been reported yet.

The recall will involve 156,302 vehicles in China, including 40,847 Fit models and 115,455 of the City.

Honda's spokesman said there are 167,883 units to be recalled in its home market, costing the company an estimated $39 million. The other affected markets are mainly in Asia.

Guangqi Honda Automobile Co., Honda's Chinese joint venture, said in an interview that the company has received the notice from headquarters and has submitted a recall report to the national quality watchdog.

China's business press carried the story above on Friday. China.org.cn has not checked the stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.