In an online statement yesterday, Honda (HMC -0.49%) said on its Chinese website that it will recall more than 408,000 CR-V sport utility vehicles in China. The recall came from China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine -- or AQSIQ -- to Dongfeng Honda Automobile.

The recall involves a potentially defective front piston-rod in CR-Vs manufactured between March 2, 2010, and Aug. 30, 2012. According to an online translation of its statement, AQSIQ said that, "in extreme cases the piston rod may fracture." In an online translated version of its statement, Honda said the problem was due to a manufacturing supplier.

The recall officially begins on Friday and Honda will inspect and replace piston-rods free of charge for affected CR-V customers.

China is the world's biggest auto market by number of vehicles sold and Japanese and other global brands are looking to Chinese buyers for future sales growth.

Overall sales growth for Honda and other Japanese brands accelerated to 17.6% in July over a year earlier, from June's 16.5% rise, according to an industry group, the China Association of Auto Manufacturers.

-- Material from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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