Volkswagen will call back 49,480 vehicles in China starting Feb. 6 due to brake design defects, the country's quality watchdog announced on Tuesday.

The recall will affect imported Beetles manufactured between July 1, 2012 and Aug. 6, 2015 and imported Golf Variant produced from July 1, 2012 to July 6, 2013, according to a statement released by China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection, and Quarantine (ASDIQ) as reported by state-backed Xinhua News.

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A problem in the noise filters can reportedly trigger difficulty with breaking when the affected cars are in cruise control for long periods of time, the ASDIQ noted. It further stressed that the glitch formed a "hidden safety risk."

Volkswagen advised all car owners affected to stop using the cruise control system and has offered to fix the defect free of charge.

Meanwhile, just last month, China's safety watchdog found that some of the imported brake pads used by global carmakers were faulty, according to a report by China's CCTV. The ASDIQ said that between March and May, at least 226 of the 467 shipments inspected contained substandard brake pads.

More than 60 brands were allegedly involved. However, nine foreign carmakers, including Volkswagen, Audi AG, Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Daimler AG's Mercedes Benz, Hyundai Motor Co, Kia Motors Corp., and Volvo, as well as parts supplier Textar, were discovered to have at least 10 or more issues.

Among the issues noted include potential break failure at high temperatures and incorrect labeling. Glitches on the brake parts failed to meet the model information, friction, shear strength, and comprehensive strength standards.

Tagsvolkswagen, Volkswagen beetle, Volkswagen news, volkswagen recall, Volkswagen golf variant