Shanghai General Motors Corp yesterday recalled more than 230,000 Buick Regal and Buick LaCrosse models over faulty engine pipelines.

The joint venture between GM and SAIC Motor Corp said the cars included 133,074 Buick Regal mid-class sedans with 2.0 or 2.4 liter engines produced by Shanghai GM between September 18, 2008 and October 14, 2010.

The recall also affected 99,857 2.4-liter Buick LaCrosse sedans made between April 20, 2009 and October 14, 2010.

Shanghai GM's report to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said that defects in engine pipelines could cause fuel leakages and result in sudden flameouts or a failure to start. There were also fire risks if there were sparks, the company said.

Shanghai GM's recall is the biggest in China's auto industry this year and is the third of its kind for GM in China over the past two months.

In early February, Shanghai GM announced the recall of 2,806 imported Cadillac CTS sedans in China due to steering problems. It also launched a recall of 6,075 of its minivan Wuling Hongguang in January.

As overseas car makers aggressively expand in China, the number of recalls is also growing, raising concerns over vehicle quality.

More than 1.17 million vehicles were recalled in China last year, most of which were produced by foreign car makers' ventures, including Dongfeng Nissan and FAW Toyota.

Last week, Toyota announced the recall of 5,202 imported Lexus cars in China to fix a malfunctioning gas-pedal problem.

Industry analysts said though there were many reasons for recalls, including changes in design, craftsmanship and materials, massive recalls could also be blamed on car manufacturers' rapid expansion making it harder to control product quality.

Shanghai General Motors was the nation's top car seller last year with a 42 percent rise in sales to 1.03 million units. It produces and sells Buick, Chevrolet and Cadillac vehicles in China.

Company officials said other Buick Regal and LaCrosse models were not included in the recall due to different engine design.

In its statement, the company said it would replace the pipelines to reduce risks.

The company is to contact car owners to provide free checks and repairs.

Owners may also contact the manufacturer on its free phone service (8008201902) for more information and to make appointments.