Chongqing-based Changan Ford Mazda Automobile has started a recall of 236,643 Focus cars because of a problem that causes vehicles to stall, said China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. The recall covers vehicles manufactured between 18 August 2008 and 28 May 2010.

The joint venture company, which is owned by Ford, Changan Automobile and Mazda Motor, said the recall was prompted by several customers complaining about stalling when the car was moving at low speeds. The problem is said to relate the engine software.

Meanwhile, Wuhan-based Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen is recalling its C-Quatre models in China due to a problem with the 1.6-litre engine cooling fan. The recall affects 53,459 units produced between 31 August 2009 and 3 March 2010. The faulty fan could result in a short circuiting of the engine and thereby pose a safety risk, said the general administration.

The carmaker, a joint venture between Dongfeng Automobile and Peugeot, will repair the defective engine cooling fans for free.