BEIJING - FAW-Volkswagen Automobile Co., Ltd. is recalling 9,037 of its Caddy small delivery vans in China due to a defect with the tailgate, China's top quality watchdog said Thursday.

The recall, which starts Thursday, involves vehicles manufactured between December 22, 2004 and July 11, 2007, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement.

The bolt connecting the gas-pressure shock absorbers with the tailgate may become damaged in some vehicles, which could in extreme conditions cause the tailgate to fall by itself, leading to safety hazards, the statement said.

FAW-Volkswagen, a joint venture between China's FAW Group and German automaker Volkswagen, will replace defective parts in those vehicles free of charge to eliminate the problem.