BEIJING -- China's top quality watchdog said Friday that US automaker Chrysler will recall 1,708 Dodge JCUV vehicles imported to the Chinese mainland over defects of the vehicle theft deterrent module.

Defects in the vehicle theft deterrent module may cause the engine to shutdown while running, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement on its website.

The recall involves type JCUV autos produced between August 3 of 2009 and January 23 of 2010, the statement said.

Chrysler will offer free checks and replacement of the faulty vehicle theft deterrent module, the statement said.