BEIJING -- Chinese automaker Chery will recall 17,537 of its A3 models due to defective ABS (anti-lock braking system) modules, the country's quality watchdog said Monday.

The recall, which involves its A3 sedans manufactured from July 17, 2008 to May 31, 2009, will start from Sept 25, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

Due to a quality issue, the ABS and ESP (electronic stability program) control modules may malfunction and pose safety hazards.

Chery will replace defective parts free of charge, the statement said.

The Anhui-based company was ranked 335th in a latest list of Top 500 Chinese Enterprises, which was unveiled Saturday by the China Enterprise Confederation and China Enterprise Directors Association.