BEIJING, April 9 (Xinhua) -- German auto brand BMW has begun recalling 121,381 vehicles in China due to an electrical problem that may lead to the malfunction of the cars' electronic module.

The recall, which started Monday, involves BMW 318i, 320i, 325i and X1 models manufactured between January 2010 and November 2011 by BMW Brilliance Automotive and several imported models manufactured between November 2009 and October 2011, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation.

Due to faulty design, the cable connectors in the front fuse box may wear over time and lead to poor contact, which may make it unable to start the vehicle or lead to the malfunction of the electronic module.

In the latter case, it would become hard to control the vehicle, posing a safety hazard, the authority said.

BMW Brilliance Automotive and BMW China Automotive Trading Ltd. will replace the defective parts for affected owners free of charge.