BEIJING - Shanghai GM Automotive Co will recall 161,281 vehicles in China due to gear shift problems, the country's top quality watchdog said on Tuesday.

The recall, set to begin on Feb 28, involves 139,168 Buick Excelle manufactured between Nov 12, 2014 and Dec 17, 2016; 18,187 Chevrolet Cavalier produced between July 5, 2016 and Dec 17, 2016; and 3,926 Chevrolet Lova RV made between Oct 30, 2015 and Dec 14, 2016, according to an online statement by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

Defective components in the clutch master cylinder of the affected vehicles could cause an issue when changing gears, the statement said.

Shanghai GM promised to check all the affected vehicles and replace the defective parts free of charge.