File photo: CGTN

BEIJING, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd., a joint venture between the BMW Group and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd., will recall 312,281 vehicles in China due to defective fuel tanks, China's market regulator has said.

The recall involves models including the series of 316i, 316Li, 318i, 318Li, 320i, 320Li, 328i, 328Li, 330i, 330Li and 335Li, which were manufactured between April 22, 2011 and July 31, 2016, the State Administration for Market Regulation said in a statement.

The flaw with the fuel tanks could cause oil leaks and increase risks, according to the statement.

The companies will examine the recalled vehicles and replace the defective fuel tanks free of charge.

The recall of 150,951 vehicles will begin on Dec. 27, 2019 and the recall of 161,330 vehicles will start on May 29, 2020.