According to the latest data from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, a total of 5.3 million vehicles were recalled in China last year, a record figure.

Last year's figure, according to the country's quality watchdog, was 65.8 percent higher from 2012, as China continues its crackdown against defective vehicles.

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In 2012, there were 113 recalls issued involving 1.2 million vehicles.

The 5.3 million cars were part of the 134 recalls announced by several domestic and foreign car manufacturers last year. The reasons for the recalls include malfunctioning brakes, faulty wiring, engine defects, and a many more.

Foreign car manufacturers led last year's recalls as experts said foreign car makers cannot just ignore any quality issues in China, otherwise they could lose big in the world's largest car market.

Local manufacturers also recalled a total of 450,000 vehicles last year, an increase of 36 percent from 2012.

Experts said the record recalls last year occurred after China implemented a regulation governing defective vehicles starting January 1.

The regulation calls for dealers to repair or replace defective cars during the warranty period or risk getting hefty fines.

In case the dealer is found to have hidden the defect, which is a fraudulent act, the dealer will be ordered to refund the retail price of the car and give the victim a new vehicle for free.

Last week, BMW announced the recall of 10,233 cars from China markets due to software problems. BMW will recall 8,765 7-series sedans that were manufactured between 1 March 2004 and 31 July 2008.

The carmaker will also recall 1,557 7-series cars that were produced between 1 March 2004 and 8 July 2008.

Last month, Toyota also announced a recall of 9,300 Highlander vehicles due to air bags defect. The recall involves Highlander models produced between 25 December 2013 and 11 February 2014.