BEIJING, April 16 -- Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors is planning to recall more than 26,000 of its vehicles in China over an air blower problem that may weaken defrosting of the front window, China's top quality watchdog said on Thursday.

From April 20, Mitsubishi will recall an estimated 26,610 Outlander and Lancer models manufactured between 2009 and 2011, according to a statement on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ).

The axis and bearings of the air blower generators in the affected vehicles were poorly assembled, which may cause a breakdown of the generator.

Outlander and Lancer owners can call the Mitsubishi hotline 800-820-6630 or contact the SAQSIQ on 010-5979-9616. Mitsubishi and its Chinese partner, Southeast Motor, will replace the faulty components free of charge, according to the statement.