BEIJING -- Shanghai Volkswagen will recall 7,544 vehicles due to a flawed design that could cause inoperative steering, China's consumer quality watchdog said Friday.

The vehicles being recalled are Santana 1.8L manual-series sedans manufactured between March 1 and Aug 28, according to a statement from the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The automaker said it will repair the flaws at no charge, according to the statement.

Car owners can contact Shanghai Volkswagen or AQSIQ via hotlines or AQSIQ's website.