Italian automaker Fiat will start recalling 42,935 Viaggio cars in China on Friday due to a problem with the gearshift system, China's top quality watchdog said on Monday.

The company's joint venture with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. filed the plan to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) according to China's recalling rules.

The recall involves Viaggio sedans manufactured between August 2012 and December 2013, Xinhua reported.

Linking parts in the gearshift system may come loose in extreme cases and lead to unintended movement, posing safety hazards for people inside the vehicle, a statement said.

Dealers will contact affected owners to replace defective parts free of charge.