China's quality authority said Tuesday that the BMW China Automotive Trading Ltd. would recall 5,308 imported BMW 5 series GT cars beginning Friday because of a defective fuel tank.

The fuel tank problem could stall the engine without warning and the engine might not restart following this flameout, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement on its website.

The company has since announced it would offer inspections at no charge for car owners and consumers were asked to call the BMW hotline, 400-800-6666, for information.