BEIJING, Dec. 21 -- A record number of vehicles have been recalled for technical faults in China in 2015.

As of Dec. 18, 76 automakers had recalled 5.55 million vehicles, said Yan Fengmin, a department director in charge of law enforcement with the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), on Monday.

Over 25 million vehicles have been recalled since China introduced the recall system in 2004, according to Yan.

Engine problems are the main reason for the recalls, followed by airbag and seat belt defects, and electrical failures.

"The AQSIQ will step up law enforcement and urge enterprises to fulfill their legal obligations," said Yan.