BEIJING, Dec. 22 -- Luxury car maker BMW's China Automotive Trading Ltd. will recall Mini Cooper models due to concerns over a fault with the power steering system, China's top quality watchdog said Tuesday.

The recall will involve 626 vehicles sold on the Chinese mainland that were produced between September 2002 and February 2005, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine in a statement.

There is a risk that the electric hydraulic power steering system could experience temporary or permanent failure, said the statement.

The recall will start from Feb. 1 and the company will repair the faulty parts free of charge, it said.