BEIJING -- Japanese automaker Subaru will recall several types of vehicles exported to China, after defects in the engines' water pump came to light, China's quality watchdog said on Monday.

The recall will affect 7,412 vehicles in China that were produced in 2008, including Impreza models made between May 23 and Oct 8 that year, Forester models made between May 22 and Nov 13 and Legacy models made between June 4 and Oct 18, according to a statement issued by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine.

The narrow bearing gaps in the water pumps may disrupt the normal functioning of the pumps and cause engines to shut down, the statement explained.

Subaru said it will begin the recall from July 27 and change the water pumps for free.