BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) -- From Jan. 31, Japanese automaker Toyota will begin recalling some of its Corolla sedans imported into China due to defective airbags, according to China's market regulator.

Filed by Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co., the recall will involve 56 of the cars manufactured between Oct. 5, 2001, and Feb. 3, 2003, the State Administration of Market Regulation said in a statement.

The vehicles' front passenger airbags, produced by Japanese manufacturer Takata, have defective inflators that could fracture and send potentially fatal shrapnel into passengers when airbags are activated, said the administration.

Defective Takata airbags have been linked to a number of deaths and injuries worldwide, prompting massive recalls of affected vehicles throughout the world.

The company will replace the defective airbags free of charge.