Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea's top carmaker, will recall more than 15,000 sport utility vehicles in China because of an engine defect, according to China's quality watchdog Friday. 
   
Subject to the recall in mainland China are 15,373 Veracruz SUVs, which were produced between Jan. 8, 2007, and March 12, 2013, in South Korea and imported to China, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement dated on Thursday. 
  
An "improper design of the cylinder head cover gasket" of the vehicles' engines may cause oil leaks that prompt the engines to stop under certain circumstances, the statement said. 
   
The recall will start on Nov. 18, it said. (Yonhap)